Ahoy there! I hope this finds you well. For those of you who enjoyed my blog posts back in the day, I'm pleased to announce they will be making a return. I won't be posting on specific days, but rather, as and when I have something very exciting to show you, just like the item in today's post!
A few months back I found a bit of a rarity. It was one of those where, the more you researched, the more fascinating it became. It's so fascinating in fact, I have to tell you the story that I've uncovered around it.
So, as always, get that kettle on and sit quietly, as we take a look at a rare witness to revolution and retribution...!
Among the most dramatic episodes of early 19th century British history is the Cato Street Conspiracy of 1820, a radical plot to assassinate the entire British Cabinet. This rare execution broadside records the final moments of the men behind that audacious plan.
The sheet reports the execution of Arthur Thistlewood and four associates, James Ings, Richard Tidd, John Brunt and William Davidson, who were convicted of High Treason after their revolutionary scheme was uncovered.
In the turbulent political climate following the Peterloo Massacre of 1819, the conspirators planned to storm a government dinner in Grosvenor Square and murder the ministers of Robert Jenkinson, 2nd Earl of Liverpool. The plot was fatally compromised by a government spy, and on 23 February 1820 authorities raided the group’s hideout in Cato Street. During the arrest, Thistlewood killed a constable with a sword.
The conspirators were tried and condemned to the ancient punishment for treason. On 1 May 1820, before vast crowds outside Newgate Prison in London, they were hanged and then decapitated, the last time this sentence was carried out in Britain.
Broadsides such as this were printed single sheets sold in the streets, often at the scene of public executions. Featuring a dramatic woodcut of the gallows and a sensational account of the men’s final hours, they served as the popular news media of their day.
Few survive today. This example stands as a rare and evocative witness to one of the most extraordinary treason trials of the 19th century, and to the final judicial beheadings in British history.
This wonderful piece of social history is available to buy HERE
Anyway, that's it for this week folks! I hope you've enjoyed my first blog post in a long while. Keep your eyes peeled for more interesting finds and stories.
Until next time, stay safe, keep buying those antiques and keep spreading that Source Vintage love!
Cheerio!
Stephen
Owner Source Vintage
Shop from the Source Vintage collection HERE