BattlefieldsAnti-Militia riot at Tranent coal miners 1797
modern

Anti-Militia riot at Tranent coal miners 1797

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

Who Fought

Forces
Not recorded in historical accounts
Forces
Cinque Ports Cavalry under Captain Finucane
VS
Victor
Not recorded in historical accounts
Forces
Tranent coal mining community
Outcome
Twelve civilians killed; mining community terrorised; coal production disrupted; militia ballot eventually completed with military supervision
The Battle

History & Significance

East Lothian coal miners at Tranent were among the most organised resisters to the Militia Act ballot; the miners had exemptions from military service under traditional custom and resisted vigorously before being shot down by the Cinque Ports Cavalry in the Tranent Massacre

Questions & Answers

Frequently Asked Questions

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