Machine Breaking – 1830

Letter from Capel Cure High Sheriff of Essex, dated Blake Hall, Ongar, 21" December 1830.

I beg to acquaint your Lordship that there are many indications of a disposition to rise in the Hundred of Ongar and that it is in my opinion advisable that 25 or 30 cavalry should be stationed for a short time in the town of Ongar or at least within 10 or 12 miles as at Warley Barracks.

The Magistrates have during the last fortnight sworn in for special constables as many of the respectable labourers as they could depend upon but the Farmers one and all refuse to join.

I believe there is a very bad spirit in this District and have thought it my duty to apprise your Lordship of it.