The Swing Riots around Orpington - 1830

Susan Pittman

A look at the unrest in Orpington and Bromley during what was known as the Swing Riots in 1830. A combination of the end of the Napoleonic Wars, bad harvests, industrialisations and many other factors led to severe distress in rural areas. This carefully researched illustrated article explains the background and how it manifested itself in our Borough.