BattlefieldsEly and Littleport food riots 1816
modern

Ely and Littleport food riots 1816

1816
Cambridgeshire, England
Era
modern
Battle Type
Pitched Battle
Location
Cambridgeshire, England
Status
Unregistered
The Combatants

Who Fought

Forces
Not recorded in historical accounts
Forces
Ely and Littleport magistrates. Isle of Ely Yeomanry and regular soldiers.
VS
Victor
Not recorded in historical accounts
Forces
Fenland agricultural labourers
Outcome
Riots suppressed. Five men hanged. Twenty-five transported. The Ely and Littleport riots were the most serious agricultural rising in postwar England.
The Battle

History & Significance

Agricultural labourers rioted at Littleport and Ely in the Fens against food prices and postwar depression, attacking magistrates and demanding higher wages and cheaper bread. The riots were suppressed by the military and five men hanged at Ely.

Questions & Answers

Frequently Asked Questions

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