BattlefieldsTranent Massacre suppression of anti-militia riot 1797
modern

Tranent Massacre suppression of anti-militia riot 1797

1797
Scotland
Era
modern
Battle Type
Pitched Battle
Location
Scotland
Status
Unregistered
The Combatants

Who Fought

Forces
Not recorded in historical accounts
Forces
Tranent mining community resisting militia ballot
VS
Victor
Not recorded in historical accounts
Forces
Cinque Ports Cavalry dragoons under Captain Finucane
Outcome
Riot suppressed with twelve civilians killed; no soldiers prosecuted; the massacre inflamed anti-militia sentiment across Scotland
The Battle

History & Significance

Dragoons of the Cinque Ports Cavalry charged on crowds in Tranent who were rioting against the Militia Act ballot; soldiers pursued fleeing civilians into fields and houses, killing twelve people including women; the Tranent Massacre was one of the worst acts of government violence against civilians in Scotland

Questions & Answers

Frequently Asked Questions

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