History Features

The date: May 21st 1839

The place: Selsley Hill, near Stroud

The background:

From detailed documentary evidence compiled by James Turtle, former education officer at Gloucestershire Archives, this story explores fears of violence in a previously quiet village when Chartists – a 19th century 'people's movement’ - decided to hold a rally on Selsley Hill during the Whitsun holiday of 1839.

The Chartists were so called because they were campaigning for rights for the working classes, which were contained in a 'People's Charter'.  Today we take these rights for granted but in the 19th century this populist movement was strongly opposed by the upper and middle classes, by magistrates, and even by sections of the local clergy.

Chartist rallies seemed to bring violence and vandalism in their wake – especially when the main speaker was a charismatic orator named Vincent. So local magistrates were justifiably apprehensive when a poster appeared inviting people to the gathering on Selsley Hill.

What caused the trouble?

In this case it was the prospect of trouble. It is assumed that this particular hill had been chosen because it was in the Stroud constituency of Lord John Russell MP, who happened to be Home Secretary at the time.

Unrest was anticipated. This audio drama highlights the preparations made for the trouble to come – including the request for a troop of cavalry!

As this was before the days of the Gloucestershire Constabulary, the magistrates searched the county for a 'police presence.' 

They found just two police officers, both Londoners, invited down from the capital to keep the peace in the Stow-on-the-Wold area.

One of these men, James Ottway, was called upon to be prepared control the crowd expected on the hill. "Me!" he exclaimed. "One against 3,000!"

As it turned out, Ottway’s report of the proceedings provides us with the best evidence of what really happened.

Click the 'Hear The Chartists Are Coming' audio link on the top right of this page to join dramatist Alan Morgan on Selsley Hill with members of St John’s Players, Churchdown and friends of BBC Radio Gloucestershire, as together they capture the panic of the locals…