Forest of Dean FHT Forum - - "piracy" at Hamstalls Pill, Awre 1795

"piracy" at Hamstalls Pill, Awre 1795 (reply)

slowhands — Thu, 25 Mar 2010 17:46:47 +0000

In the sense that Piracy = taking a ship or its cargo from the control of those who are legally entitled to it at sea, and can apply to similar act committed on a shore or dock

"piracy" at Hamstalls Pill, Awre 1795 (reply)

BaffOnion — Thu, 25 Mar 2010 17:03:37 +0000

Thanks for that, I have seen the newspaper reports of the time (ie Gloucester Journal) but didn't see the phrase "piracy" at Hamstalls....... I wonder where you got that from? The Assize records are at the TNA, and when I went a couple of days ago they were with the 'conservator'. Do you know any written accounts? I do have four books of the Forest 'The Commoners' 'The Free Miners'& the 'Verderer & Speech Court of The Forest of Dean' by Cyril Hart, plus Nicholl's Forest of Dean, who both make mention of the incident. This wasn't the only one, the Miners of Ruardean ambush other vessels at other times, but there is little written in newspapers, I have some magistrates letters alluding to it, but nothing other than that. I think another visit to TNA is needed.

"piracy" at Hamstalls Pill, Awre 1795 (reply)

slowhands — Thu, 25 Mar 2010 11:36:21 +0000

1795
The Forest Food or Bread Riots are provoked by the government buying up all available
supplies for the army and navy at the time of the war against Napoleonic France. The poor
families face starvation and begin stealing grain to survive.

A trow carrying flour is taken on the River Severn at Hamstalls Pill, near Awre, and the
army is called in to capture the perpetrators.

The government eventually relents and distributes grain around the Forest.

Bread riots at Awre 1795

BaffOnion — Thu, 25 Mar 2010 07:46:43 +0000

Hello

First posting, my query is not directly family related, but does involve some Forest of Dean men.

Thomas YEMM and Thomas ROSSER were hanged in 1796 at Gloucester Gaol for their involvement in the riot/ambush of a trow that had come from Evesham in 1795. I haven't seen the indictment yet, that's at the TNA, but is there any one who has other knowledge other than what is readily available in printed material. I am current 'doing' an academic study and would love to find out some more background to this incident ( one of many over the years in the Forest) Two magistrates names that springs to mind is Pyrke and Foley.

Just a shot in the dark, I have seen a post by Irene Yemm who had an article published, which was interesting, but if there is any other background that people might know about?

Thanks

Anne