Maldon Grain Riots
The Maldon Grain riots of 1629 took place after a particularly poor grain harvest.[1] In March of that year a group of rioters led by one “Captain” Ann Carter, the wife of a butcher[2] boarded a Flemish grain ship. There was a widespread belief at the time that women were beyond the law and that any prosecution could only be made against any man who might lie behind the felony. Refer to Legal rights of women in history. The women and child rioters removed some grain from the ship by filling their caps and gowns.
Captain Ann, seemingly emboldened by her success toured the local area drumming up support among clothing workers. The situation came to a head when a further riot took place on 22 May. This was taken much more seriously by the authorities and attracted the attention of the Privy Council.[3] A special commission was established and Captain Ann was hanged.
The style of Captain was adopted by a number of other female activists during the Seventeenth century. "Captain" Dorothy Dawson [4] organised a protest at Thorpe Moor and "Captain" Kate is recorded at an election meeting in Coventry[5]
References
- ↑ John Walter, 'Grain riots and popular attitudes to the law: Maldon and the crisis of 1629', in John Walter, Crowds and popular politics in early modern England, 27-66; L. J. Reeve. Charles I and the Road to Personal Rule p 131
- ↑ Bernard Capp. When Gossips Meet. p 317
- ↑ L. J. Reeve. Charles I and the Road to Personal Rule p 131
- ↑ Bernard Capp. When Gossips Meet. p 316
- ↑ Bernard Capp. When Gossips Meet. p 319