BattlefieldsAssassination of William Horsfall Crosland Moor 1812
modern

Assassination of William Horsfall Crosland Moor 1812

1812
Yorkshire, England
Era
modern
Battle Type
Pitched Battle
Location
Yorkshire, England
Status
Unregistered
The Combatants

Who Fought

Forces
Not recorded in historical accounts
Forces
William Horsfall travelling alone on horseback.
VS
Victor
Not recorded in historical accounts
Forces
Four Luddite conspirators led by George Mellor
Outcome
Horsfall killed. Four Luddites including George Mellor hanged at York in January 1813. The assassination effectively ended organised Yorkshire Luddism.
The Battle

History & Significance

William Horsfall, a Marsden mill owner and outspoken opponent of Luddism, was shot and killed by four Luddites at Crosland Moor near Huddersfield. The assassination was the most dramatic act of Luddite violence and triggered mass arrests and executions at York.

Questions & Answers

Frequently Asked Questions

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