The Pentrich Uprising of June 8, 1817, involved around 500 workers attempting to attack Nottingham Castle but was quickly suppressed by the government, aided by spies. Discontent arose from factors such as the abolition of income tax, the introduction of game laws, rising food prices, and industrial exploitation, leading to revolutionary sentiments inspired by earlier movements. The uprising ultimately failed due to lack of coordinated leadership and was followed by severe repercussions for its leaders, including executions and transportation to penal colonies.

1. PENTRICH UPRISING 1817

2. PENTRICH RISING SUMMARY
On June 8th 1817, the local yeomanry – a term used at this time
to describe wealthy working farmers below the rank of
gentlemen; they had moderate wealth – suppressed a
disturbance in Huddersfield. The next day, the focal point of
the uprisings was the East Midlands, a heartland of post-war
radicalism.
Around 500 workers from a variety of occupations and roles set
out with the intention of attacking Nottingham Castle, as a run-
up to a wider national rising, moving south towards London.
The rising was a failure due to the ease of which the
government managed to supress it, particularly as a result of
the government spies. The local authorities responded severely,
and Jeremiah Brandreth, one of the leaders. Was executed on
November 7th that year for his involvement.

3. WHY DID THE UPRISING TAKE
PLACE?
It can be suggested that the radical Luddite uprising in
1811-1812, attacking industrial machinery, became
influential with regards to following uprisings. In some
parts of the Midlands, every village had a club where
meetings ended with revolutionary songs following
speeches which were “destructive of the social order,
recommending the equalisation of property.” (Report of a
House of Lord’s committee of enquiry.)
The causes of the uprising are mixed, stemming not only
from the leadership and activities of influential radical
leaders, but also from the introduction of government
legislation, other (somewhat natural) factors and also
social issues.

4. WHY DID THE UPRISING TAKE
PLACE?
The abolition of Income Tax in 1815 led to revolutionary values, due
to the increased indirect taxation placed on goods. This caused a
huge amount of discontent within society, consequently increasing
the possibility of revolution.
The introduction of the Game Laws in 1816 also led to the possibility
for uprising. These laws punished those who were caught poaching, a
common practice of the poor.
The enactment of The Corn Laws in 1815 kept out foreign grain and
kept up prices to the consumer. Imported grain was prohibited if the
price of domestic grain fell below £4 per quarter ton. The effect was
to make the cost of bread prohibitive to the general population.
Clearly this led to dissatisfaction, particularly amongst the poor, as
corn / bread was a staple food source for these people at this time.

5. WHY DID THE UPRISING TAKE
PLACE?
Bad harvests and a rise in food prices, particularly in 1816, meant
that crops were poor, proving insufficient and overpriced corn, which
would not feed the poor.
The industrial revolution resulted in a major shift from domestic to
factory industries. This led to rural-urban migration, causing a
population rise and exploitation of workers by the capitalist ruling
classes.
Post war issues put pressure on the ironworks businesses, who
reduced their coal output. There were around 300,000 demobilised
troops returning from war, who found employment unobtainable. The
demand for works soared and exploitation increased, with lower
wages and harsher conditions. Inadequate parish relief failed, causing
many of the workers thrown out of employment to suffer, becoming
paupers.
The French Revolution can be said to have spread revolutionary ideas
and beliefs to Britain. Revolutionary principles had the possibility of
violence, as witnessed in France at the height of the revolution. They

6. FAILURE OF THE
REVOLUTION
•Lack of co-ordinated leadership.
•Lack of will of the people.
•Government control of the situation as a result of a network of
spies, which ensured that all revolutionary activity was known
and action taken before any serious situation could develop

7. CONSEQUENCES
The leaders of the Pentrich Rebellion together with several of
their followers were tried for High Treason in October 1817.
The three leaders were sentenced to hanging while some 14
were sentenced to transportation to a penal colony in Australia.

8. SOURCES
This is an announcement/report
on the execution of the
convicted leaders, Jeremiah
Brandreth; William Turner; and
Isaac Ludlam, who were
executed by hanging on
November 7th 1817.