Captain Swing

Captain Swing was the signature attached to the threatening letters sent to landowners, parsons and well-to-do farmers by starving agricultural labourers, demanding justice, a rise in wages and the disuse of farm machinery. In 1830 discontent exploded throughout the southern and eastern counties of England. There were marches, threshing machines were destroyed, ricks and barns were put to the torch. 481 people were transported to Australia, 19 were exectued. This book looks at the workers struggle against poverty and degradation.