February 12. — There was launched from Mr. Headlam’s yard, on the river Tyne, in the presence of a great number of spectators, a fine vessel capable of carrying upwards of thirty keels of coals, and was said to have been the largest vessel built on that river. It was called "The Russell," in compliment to one of the owners. [LRS]

March. — A very serious riot among the keelmen of Newcastle, commenced this month. April 27th, several unknown persons assembled in the fields, near Newcastle, and from a style, proclaimed King Charles king of England &c. The corporation of that town, as appears from the following advertisement, offered a reward of £100 for the discovery of the offenders :– "April 28, 1750. Newcastle-upon-Tyne. — Information upon oath having been made this day, before five of his Majesty’s Justices of the Peace for the said town, that yesterday, that between the hours of twelve and one o’clock at noon, several persons, to the informant unknown, and who appeared by their habits to be keelmen (and who, as the informant verily believes, were keelmen), were seen in one of Elswick Fields, near this Town, and that one of the said persons, in company with about five others stood upon a stile and said, I proclaim Prince Charles King of England, France, and Ireland, Defender of the Faith ; and let every one of my way of thinking, say, Amen ; or used words to the like effect. And that thereupon, several of the other persons, to the number of four at least, immediately rose up and said, Amen. The Corporation of Newcastle hereby promise a Reward of One Hundred Pounds, to any Person or Persons who shall discover the Person making the said Proclamation, or any of the Persons saying, Amen, as aforesaid, to be paid by the Town Clerk upon the Conviction of such offender or offenders. By Order of the Magistrates — CUTHBERTSON." The keelmen, who had made a stand for seven weeks on pretence of grievances, and who during that time had been very refractory and riotous, commenced working on the 7th May. Several of the most riotous were tried at the assizes in August, and convicted ; some had three months’, and others one months’ imprisonment, and to find securities for their future good behaviour. The following are the names of the convicted rioters, viz. :– Thomas Gibson, publican, and John Coates, three months ; Benjamin Tate, Tames Stephenson, James Wanley, and Michael Petre, one month. This riot cost the hoastmen of Newcastle a considerable sum of money. [LRS]

 

 

• LRS — Local Records or Historical Register of Remarkable Events by John Sykes, Published in 1833 in two volumes