Weavers’ Rising Commemoration – 26-04-2026

Many of you will remember that we met Dr David Scott a couple of years ago, and he told us about his plans to change the narrative about the weavers ‘riot’ in April 1826 to an ‘uprising’ against the poverty and work situation of the day, as power looms destroyed the livelihoods of the hand loom weavers.  We also walked a bit later with one of his committee, another David, who took us through Chatterton, where at least 6 people were killed by soldiers.

Today is the actual 200th anniversary of those killings, so Roy and I attended a commemoration and unveiling of a new stone memorial in Chatterton, joining a crowd of at least 150 other people.  The programme for the day is described on p15 of the events brochure. 

We walked down with the crowd, led by the band, listened in the lovely sunshine to David and others talking about the history of the rising and about some of the individuals who were killed.  One of the speakers was a descendant of a man who was to be transported to Australia, but who died in custody.  We listened to the choir, saw the unveiling of the new memorial, right in front of the blue plaque that we know so well, and then came back for a cup of tea.

It was a brilliant morning, and I’m so glad that Roy reminded me about it.  The events brochure tells about lots more going on, including walks.

If you wish to see a static view of the pics all in one go, then click here.  Note that parental permission was obtained for the picture of the two dressed-up children with the banner.

Continuously running slideshow below – you can see it full screen by clicking in top left of picture.