The nature of this week’s Bygone Salisbury is a plaque which can be seen inside Salisbury Guildhall.

The plaque was unveiled in 2009 to commemorate the trials of rural workers who took part in the “Swing Riots” of 1830.

The riots were a series of uprisings of agricultural labourers, which took place across the country reacting against farmers and landowners which often resulted in the destruction of farm machinery.

The riots spread under the instigation of the mythical ‘Captain Swing.’

In those days, labourers did not have the vote or any way of protesting lawfully.

Angry and frustrated about their increasingly poor working conditions, falling wages and job losses, the labourers took to the streets and rioted in protest.

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Salisbury Journal: A plaque at Salisbury Guildhall in commemoration of the Swing Rioters tried there in 1830.A plaque at Salisbury Guildhall in commemoration of the Swing Rioters tried there in 1830. (Image: Frogg Moody)

The response from the Government and authorities was swift and harsh and rioters were arrested and put on trial.

A total of 2,000 trials took place, only a small proportion of those who actually rioted, of which 800 men were acquitted, 644 jailed, 1,000 transported to the colonies and 252 sentenced to death (19 of which were eventually executed).

Rioters from north Dorset and Wiltshire were tried at the Guildhall and the plaque was erected to mark their trials. Cllr Ian McLennan, who was chairman of Salisbury district council, unveiled the plaque.

He said: “This plaque commemorates agricultural labourers who were subject to trial here during 1830-31. These pauper labourers demanded a minimum wage and an end to rural unemployment.

"They turned to riot as their only means to find a voice and their actions inspired others to rise in protest, such as the Tolpuddle Martyrs. Their treatment was very harsh and I am pleased we can have this plaque as a permanent reminder of what they experienced.”

Along with other donations from the Salisbury and District Trades Union Council, the plaque was made possible thanks to a £1,170 grant awarded by the council’s city area committee.