"Hidden
Ely" - Part 1
The Littleport Riots
compiled for Ely OnLine by Bob Wrightson
When gazing at St Mary's church, Ely, from the green it fronts, it
is hard to imagine that such a scenic vista can also hold a terrible warning
of the perils of rampaging and killing that lead 6 men to their deaths
by hanging and others to transportation to Australia.
The story of the Littleport Riots begins after the victory over Napoleon
in 1816. England was left in a very poor condition following the Wars.
Hundreds of people across the country were not only poor but at the point
of starvation.
On 22nd May 1816 a group of disgruntled Littleport residents gathered
at the Globe Inn (no longer there). After some heavy drinking their anger
at the prices of bread and wheat, and their alleged mistreatment by a
local landowner and farmer, William Martin, spilled over onto houses and
shops in Main Street, where much damage was caused. The mob stormed through
the village breaking windows and smashing furniture and goods. The vicar
of the parish stood at the door of the vicarage and threatened to "shoot
dead the first man who entered."
He did not, however, and fled from the house with his family, to walk
to Ely, leaving the mob to eat, drink, break or steal whatever they could.
Their gaze now turned towards Ely. Mounting a cart, and arming themselves
with punt guns, shovels and pitchforks they set off to vent their anger.
In Ely they caused more disruption and drank more ale before returning
to Littleport.
(Sounds like a normal modern day weekend..! Editors Quip)
The vicar however had raised the alarm in Ely. Troops (Royal Dragoons
from Royston Troop of Cavalry and Militia Staff stationed in Ely) were
brought in and marched to meet the rioters...
They soon brought the situation under
control, although In the battle for control several people were shot or
maimed.
By this time unrest had spread to the surrounding areas such as Downham,
and it was as late as June 10th before all of the stragglers were brought
in.
The plaque, set into the wall at the rear of St. Mary's Church Tower,
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