Maldon Grain Riots
Encyclopedia
The Maldon Grain riots of 1629 took place after a particularly poor grain harvest . In March of that year a group of rioters led by one “Captain” Ann Carter, the wife of a butcher boarded a Flemish grain ship. There was a widespread belief at the time that women were beyond the law and that any prosecution could only be made against any man who might lie behind the felony. Refer to Legal rights of women in history
. The women and child rioters removed some grain from the ship by filling their caps and gowns.
Captain Ann, seemingly emboldened by her success toured the local area drumming up support among clothing workers. The situation came to a head when a further riot took place on 22 May. This was taken much more seriously by the authorities and attracted the attention of the Privy Council . A special commission was established and Captain Ann was hanged.
The style of Captain was adopted by a number of other female activists during the Seventeenth century. "Captain" Dorothy Dawson organised a protest at Thorpe Moor and "Captain" Kate is recorded at an election meeting in Coventry
Legal rights of women in history
The Legal rights of women refers to the social and human rights of women. One of the first women's rights declarations was the Declaration of Sentiments. The dependent position of women in early law is proved by the evidence of most ancient systems....
. The women and child rioters removed some grain from the ship by filling their caps and gowns.
Captain Ann, seemingly emboldened by her success toured the local area drumming up support among clothing workers. The situation came to a head when a further riot took place on 22 May. This was taken much more seriously by the authorities and attracted the attention of the Privy Council . A special commission was established and Captain Ann was hanged.
The style of Captain was adopted by a number of other female activists during the Seventeenth century. "Captain" Dorothy Dawson organised a protest at Thorpe Moor and "Captain" Kate is recorded at an election meeting in Coventry
Coventry
Coventry is a city and metropolitan borough in the county of West Midlands in England. Coventry is the 9th largest city in England and the 11th largest in the United Kingdom. It is also the second largest city in the English Midlands, after Birmingham, with a population of 300,848, although...