BattlefieldsCorn Law food riots Midlands 1795
modern

Corn Law food riots Midlands 1795

1795
Leicestershire, England
Era
modern
Battle Type
Pitched Battle
Location
Leicestershire, England
Status
Unregistered
The Combatants

Who Fought

Forces
Not recorded in historical accounts
Forces
Yeomanry cavalry and magistrates.
VS
Victor
Not recorded in historical accounts
Forces
Midlands labouring poor attacking grain merchants
Outcome
Riots suppressed by Yeomanry. Speenhamland system adopted. Food prices remained high through the war years.
The Battle

History & Significance

The harvest failure of 1795 produced widespread food rioting across the Midlands. Crowds attacked grain dealers and bakers demanding bread at affordable prices. The Speenhamland system of poor relief was adopted in response to the crisis.

Questions & Answers

Frequently Asked Questions

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