Newspaper cuttings for 1812.
Gloucester Journal, 13 January 1812
On Sunday a division of 200 French prisoners arrived at Stapleton, from the Dartmoor prison; they were followed on Tuesday by another division of 150.
On Sunday a division of 200 French prisoners arrived at Stapleton, from the Dartmoor prison; they were followed on Tuesday by another division of 150.
Salisbury and Winchester Journal, 27 January 1812
On Saturday a German Officer, and 108 non-commissioned and private soldiers, prisoners of war, came in here from Dartmoor prison, on their way to Sussex, having volunteered to serve in the 10th Hussars.
On Saturday a German Officer, and 108 non-commissioned and private soldiers, prisoners of war, came in here from Dartmoor prison, on their way to Sussex, having volunteered to serve in the 10th Hussars.
This action provoked some controversy not long after.
Royal Cornwall Gazette, 15 February 1812
The Shropshire militia is to relieve the Somerset regiment at Dartmoor.
The Shropshire militia is to relieve the Somerset regiment at Dartmoor.
Hampshire Chronicle, 24 February 1812
HOUSE OF LORDS.
WEDNESDAY, Feb. 19. - … the Dartmoor Prison Road Bill, and other private bills were brought up from the Commons.
HOUSE OF LORDS.
WEDNESDAY, Feb. 19. - … the Dartmoor Prison Road Bill, and other private bills were brought up from the Commons.
This Bill effectively set up the creation of the Dartmoor and Roborough Turnpike Road. This had toll houses at Rundlestone and in the centre of Princetown.
Kentish Gazette, 25 February 1812
HOUSE OF COMMONS, Monday, Feb. 25.
Lord Folkestone rose and objected to the great increase of foreign troops, which had been augmented to the number of 5,000 since last year. He must look with great jealousy, especially after the two late acts in indemnity. He had understood that some officers had been desirous of recruiting their regiments from French prisoners, and that the 10th Light Dragoons had been increased by 100 men from Dartmoor. He wished to know from the Nobel Lord (Palmerston) opposite, whether it was true, and whether it was done with the consent of the Commanding Officer of that regiment. He had always understood that no British regiment could be recruited by foreigners. On another circumstance he wished to be informed, whether foreign troops bore commissions in British regiments, which would be expressly contrary to Act of Parliament, and subversive of the whole military system.
Lord Palmerston replied, that it had been determined by Government to permit the natives of Germany to enlist in foreign regiments. These, though taken in the hostile field, were brought there by compulsion. He did not know that any foreigners had been enlisted in the 10th Light Dragoons. The 97th was originally a foreign corps. General Linsingen, who had been alluded to, was not in command of any district, but had the regulation of the depots of the German Legion.
HOUSE OF COMMONS, Monday, Feb. 25.
Lord Folkestone rose and objected to the great increase of foreign troops, which had been augmented to the number of 5,000 since last year. He must look with great jealousy, especially after the two late acts in indemnity. He had understood that some officers had been desirous of recruiting their regiments from French prisoners, and that the 10th Light Dragoons had been increased by 100 men from Dartmoor. He wished to know from the Nobel Lord (Palmerston) opposite, whether it was true, and whether it was done with the consent of the Commanding Officer of that regiment. He had always understood that no British regiment could be recruited by foreigners. On another circumstance he wished to be informed, whether foreign troops bore commissions in British regiments, which would be expressly contrary to Act of Parliament, and subversive of the whole military system.
Lord Palmerston replied, that it had been determined by Government to permit the natives of Germany to enlist in foreign regiments. These, though taken in the hostile field, were brought there by compulsion. He did not know that any foreigners had been enlisted in the 10th Light Dragoons. The 97th was originally a foreign corps. General Linsingen, who had been alluded to, was not in command of any district, but had the regulation of the depots of the German Legion.
Kentish Gazette, 27 March 1812
ACCIDENT. - A melancholy circumstance occurred ?? week, in the neighbourhood of Dartmoor. An Officer of the Shropshire Militia, now stationed at Dartmoor, having taken one of the privates with him on a shooting expedition, was returning home, when the soldier, complaining of illness requested permission to rest himself upon the bank. The officer, apprehending no danger, returned home, expecting the soldier would speedily have followed him; but two days having elapsed, without his return, curiosity was excited, and after some search, the poor fellow was found dead in a pit under a hedge, about a mile from the prison.
ACCIDENT. - A melancholy circumstance occurred ?? week, in the neighbourhood of Dartmoor. An Officer of the Shropshire Militia, now stationed at Dartmoor, having taken one of the privates with him on a shooting expedition, was returning home, when the soldier, complaining of illness requested permission to rest himself upon the bank. The officer, apprehending no danger, returned home, expecting the soldier would speedily have followed him; but two days having elapsed, without his return, curiosity was excited, and after some search, the poor fellow was found dead in a pit under a hedge, about a mile from the prison.
It seems strange that the soldier was missing for two days before "curiosity was excited".
Morning Chronicle, 4 April 1812
Two French prisoners in Dartmoor stabbed each other recently so dreadfully in a violent passion, that they died instantly. The Jury returned a verdict of – Homicide by accident.
Two French prisoners in Dartmoor stabbed each other recently so dreadfully in a violent passion, that they died instantly. The Jury returned a verdict of – Homicide by accident.
Exeter Flying Post, 16 April 1812
To be LET, at Two Bridges, on Wednesday the 6th day of May, 1812, by John Bridge, the proprietor, that desirable estate, on Dartmoor, called ROUND HILL and LITTLE WATEM; containing 400 acres, statute measure, 100 acres of it much improved by irrigation. It will be let for one year, or any longer term, that might be agreed on. There is a very good Farm House on the farm for the accommedation. of the tenant.
For viewing the Farm, apply to Mark Clark, on the premises, Winford, April 14th, 1812.
To be LET, at Two Bridges, on Wednesday the 6th day of May, 1812, by John Bridge, the proprietor, that desirable estate, on Dartmoor, called ROUND HILL and LITTLE WATEM; containing 400 acres, statute measure, 100 acres of it much improved by irrigation. It will be let for one year, or any longer term, that might be agreed on. There is a very good Farm House on the farm for the accommedation. of the tenant.
For viewing the Farm, apply to Mark Clark, on the premises, Winford, April 14th, 1812.
The use of the name "Little Watem" is an odd touch in this advertisement. It has been suggested to me that the type-setters at the newspaper made a mistake, and that the name of the estate should have been "Round Hill and Little Watern", but I have not found any reference to this name either.
Caledonian Mercury, 4 May 1812
A most determined act of revenge, accompanied by self-destruction, took place last week at Dartmoor Prison. One of the French prisoners having had his feelings greatly irritated during a quarrel with another prisoner, swore that he would be revenged ; and accordingly at night, when the unsuspecting object of his diabolical spirit lay asleep in his hamock, he stole towards him, and having plunged a dagger or some sharp instrument into his body, retreated to his own cot, where he put an end to his existence, by cutting his throat. Alarmed by the cries of the wounded man, the sentinels instantly proceeded to the spot. Hopes are entertained of the recovery of the wounded prisoner but the other was found quite dead.
A most determined act of revenge, accompanied by self-destruction, took place last week at Dartmoor Prison. One of the French prisoners having had his feelings greatly irritated during a quarrel with another prisoner, swore that he would be revenged ; and accordingly at night, when the unsuspecting object of his diabolical spirit lay asleep in his hamock, he stole towards him, and having plunged a dagger or some sharp instrument into his body, retreated to his own cot, where he put an end to his existence, by cutting his throat. Alarmed by the cries of the wounded man, the sentinels instantly proceeded to the spot. Hopes are entertained of the recovery of the wounded prisoner but the other was found quite dead.
Exeter Flying Post, 7 May 1812
FOX TORR ENCLOSURE, on DARTMOOR,
Two miles from the Prison of War, four from Holne, and seven from Buckfastleigh.
CATTLE will be taken to summering, at the following prices
BULLOCKS ...... Eight Shillings.
YEARLINGS …... Seven ditto.
MARES and COLTS Ten ditto.
COLTS ….................Eight ditto.
SHEEP will be taken at Whiteworks, near the enclosure, at 10s. per score.
Fox Torr is upwards of 1000 acres, and is free from dangerous bogs, and has the advantage of all other enclosures, having several large Linhays on the premises, for the protection of cattle in bad weather, and to shelter them during the summer heats. A person also resides on the spot, whose sole employment is the care of the cattle, and who will see them every day. A good Bull is kept near, and the instructions of owners in this instance carefully attended to. Attendance given every Tuesday until Midsummer, from ten to two, at the King's-Arms, Buckfastleigh, where the cattle may be delivered by farmers living at a distance. For further information, inquire at Fox Torr House; at the Somerset Arms, Bridgetown, at the Bay Horse, Totnes; at the Golden Lion, Ashburton; and at the Globe, Newton.
FOX TORR ENCLOSURE, on DARTMOOR,
Two miles from the Prison of War, four from Holne, and seven from Buckfastleigh.
CATTLE will be taken to summering, at the following prices
BULLOCKS ...... Eight Shillings.
YEARLINGS …... Seven ditto.
MARES and COLTS Ten ditto.
COLTS ….................Eight ditto.
SHEEP will be taken at Whiteworks, near the enclosure, at 10s. per score.
Fox Torr is upwards of 1000 acres, and is free from dangerous bogs, and has the advantage of all other enclosures, having several large Linhays on the premises, for the protection of cattle in bad weather, and to shelter them during the summer heats. A person also resides on the spot, whose sole employment is the care of the cattle, and who will see them every day. A good Bull is kept near, and the instructions of owners in this instance carefully attended to. Attendance given every Tuesday until Midsummer, from ten to two, at the King's-Arms, Buckfastleigh, where the cattle may be delivered by farmers living at a distance. For further information, inquire at Fox Torr House; at the Somerset Arms, Bridgetown, at the Bay Horse, Totnes; at the Golden Lion, Ashburton; and at the Globe, Newton.
Exeter Flying Post, 14 May 1812
TO be SOLD in FEE, the Manor or reputed Manor of PRUSTON...
Also, for the residue of an absolute term of ninety-nine years, granted by his Royal Highness the Prince of Wales, all that new inclosed Estate on Dartmoor, called DART LODGE; comprising a new and substantial House and offices, and about three hundred and five acres of land, capable of great improvement, and distant about two miles from the new prison.
For Sale, an auction will be held at the King's Arms, in Kingsbridge, on Friday the third day of July next by, four o'clock in the afternoon, in the mean time, for viewing the premises, and for particular's, apply, if by letter post paid, to Mr. Wife, solicitor, Kingsbridge; or Mr. Pidsley, solicitor, in Exeter.
TO be SOLD in FEE, the Manor or reputed Manor of PRUSTON...
Also, for the residue of an absolute term of ninety-nine years, granted by his Royal Highness the Prince of Wales, all that new inclosed Estate on Dartmoor, called DART LODGE; comprising a new and substantial House and offices, and about three hundred and five acres of land, capable of great improvement, and distant about two miles from the new prison.
For Sale, an auction will be held at the King's Arms, in Kingsbridge, on Friday the third day of July next by, four o'clock in the afternoon, in the mean time, for viewing the premises, and for particular's, apply, if by letter post paid, to Mr. Wife, solicitor, Kingsbridge; or Mr. Pidsley, solicitor, in Exeter.
The whereabouts of Dart Lodge is unknown to me at this time; possibly somewhere in the Beardown area?
Kentish Gazette, 28 August 1812
French Prisoners. - As a proof of the good treatment the prisoners of war this country, let the following statement of those sick and in health be the best answer the lying columns of the Moniteur:
Thursday, Aug. 20. In Health. Sick.
On board Prison-ships in Hamoaze 6100 61
In Dartmoor Depot 7500 74
This small proportion sick is not the common average of persons not confined as prisoners of war. At Dartmoor depot 500 prisoners, such as labourers, carpenters, smiths, &c. are allowed to work from sunrise to sun-set , they are paid 4d. and 6d per day, according to their abilities; and have each their daily rations provisions, viz. pound and half of bread, half pound boiled beef, half a pound of cabbage, and a proportion of soup and small beer. They wear a tin plate in their caps with the title of the profession or trade they are employed in, and return every evening to the depot to be mustered.
French Prisoners. - As a proof of the good treatment the prisoners of war this country, let the following statement of those sick and in health be the best answer the lying columns of the Moniteur:
Thursday, Aug. 20. In Health. Sick.
On board Prison-ships in Hamoaze 6100 61
In Dartmoor Depot 7500 74
This small proportion sick is not the common average of persons not confined as prisoners of war. At Dartmoor depot 500 prisoners, such as labourers, carpenters, smiths, &c. are allowed to work from sunrise to sun-set , they are paid 4d. and 6d per day, according to their abilities; and have each their daily rations provisions, viz. pound and half of bread, half pound boiled beef, half a pound of cabbage, and a proportion of soup and small beer. They wear a tin plate in their caps with the title of the profession or trade they are employed in, and return every evening to the depot to be mustered.
Morning Chronicle, 17 September 1812
INSURRECTION OF THE FRENCH PRISONERS AT DARTMOOR DEPOT.
PLYMOUTH, SEPT. 14 – An express arrived here last night, at eleven o'clock, informing General Stephens that a serious commotion had broken out among the prisoners in Dartmoor Depot, that the Cheshire Militia stationed there, were under arms, and that immediate assistance was necessary. Three field-pieces, with 15 gunners and 15 artillery drivers, were immediately sent off to Dartmoor, and their appearance quickly restored order among the insurgents. It appears that the bake-house having been burnt down last week at Dartmoor, in which bread for the prisoners had been baked, a pound and a half of biscuit had been handed out to each man, but this had been reduced, by an order from the Government, to one pound, to one pound, the usual allowance of bread. This was resented by the whole body of prisoners (about 7000), and they shewed so determined a disposition, that such measures were ?? necessary as adopted. They even had in contemplation to fire the prison and effect an escape. Some of them were for seizing the depot of arms at Tavistock, but the appearance of the artillery settled every danger.
Five o'Clock, (Monday). - I have just seen one of the Gloucester Militia, who came from Dartmoor a few hours since, and all was then quiet, though it was deemed prudent to keep the artillery there.
Royal Cornwall Gazette, 19 September 1812
Great alarm prevailed about Dartmoor prison on Monday last, at an expected insurrection among the French prisoners; two of them only broke out, however; and they were soon re-taken.
Chester Courant, 22 September 1812
A serious insurrection of the French prisoners at Dartmoor Depot, on Monday, threatened dreadful consequences. About 7000 had vowed to set fire to the prison, in consequence of a reduction in their allowance of bread. They were suppressed by the Artillery, and Cheshire and Gloucester militias.
Kentish Gazette, 22 September 1812
DISTURBANCES AT DARTMOOR PRISON. Further Particulars. Plymouth, Sept. 15. It appears that the prisoners had worked themselves up, to the highest pitch at being allowed more than one pound of biscuit per day. The use of biscuit, it is to be observed, was to be discontinued as soon as the bakehouse had been rebuilt; but the Frenchmen were absolutely deaf to remonstrances. A detachment of the Cheshire militia, and the South Gloucester regiment, were drawn up on the walls surrounding the prison ; and although they had loaded their pieces with ball, the prisoners appeared undaunted, and insulted them in the grossest terms; indeed, our brave men withstood the contumelious language of the prisoners with a patience beyond all praise. A sentinel on duty, called Jones had his bayonet wrenched off his piece, yet nobly reserved his fire: an officer, however followed the Frenchman, struck him over the shoulder with his sword, and brought off the bayonet. The Frenchmen even bared their breasts the troops, and seemed regardless of danger. The number of prisoners is about 7500 ; and so menacing was their conduct, that an express was sent off Plymouth Dock at 11 o'clock on Sunday night, soliciting immediate assistance.—. Three pieces of artillery (six pounders) were in consequence sent off early on Monday morning; and on their arrival the principal gate (iron), the bars of which, of immense size, had been previously broken by stones hurled against them by the insurgents, they were placed in such directions completely to command the whole of the circle which the prison describes. This had the desired effect, and order was restored. It is to be noticed, that the allowance bread which these deluded men have so indignantly spurned, is precisely the same as that which is served out to our own gallant sailors and marines. The prisoners at Dartmoor have also been allowed to go out parties to work in the surrounding country ; but their conduct at the Depot, as well as on board the prison ships at Hamoaze, has always been very irregular—complaining when there was no reasonable ground of complaint, insulting the English officers, throwing meat or vegetables to the ground or into the sea, which were prime quality, and which would have been highly prized indeed by out own suffering peasantry.
INSURRECTION OF THE FRENCH PRISONERS AT DARTMOOR DEPOT.
PLYMOUTH, SEPT. 14 – An express arrived here last night, at eleven o'clock, informing General Stephens that a serious commotion had broken out among the prisoners in Dartmoor Depot, that the Cheshire Militia stationed there, were under arms, and that immediate assistance was necessary. Three field-pieces, with 15 gunners and 15 artillery drivers, were immediately sent off to Dartmoor, and their appearance quickly restored order among the insurgents. It appears that the bake-house having been burnt down last week at Dartmoor, in which bread for the prisoners had been baked, a pound and a half of biscuit had been handed out to each man, but this had been reduced, by an order from the Government, to one pound, to one pound, the usual allowance of bread. This was resented by the whole body of prisoners (about 7000), and they shewed so determined a disposition, that such measures were ?? necessary as adopted. They even had in contemplation to fire the prison and effect an escape. Some of them were for seizing the depot of arms at Tavistock, but the appearance of the artillery settled every danger.
Five o'Clock, (Monday). - I have just seen one of the Gloucester Militia, who came from Dartmoor a few hours since, and all was then quiet, though it was deemed prudent to keep the artillery there.
Royal Cornwall Gazette, 19 September 1812
Great alarm prevailed about Dartmoor prison on Monday last, at an expected insurrection among the French prisoners; two of them only broke out, however; and they were soon re-taken.
Chester Courant, 22 September 1812
A serious insurrection of the French prisoners at Dartmoor Depot, on Monday, threatened dreadful consequences. About 7000 had vowed to set fire to the prison, in consequence of a reduction in their allowance of bread. They were suppressed by the Artillery, and Cheshire and Gloucester militias.
Kentish Gazette, 22 September 1812
DISTURBANCES AT DARTMOOR PRISON. Further Particulars. Plymouth, Sept. 15. It appears that the prisoners had worked themselves up, to the highest pitch at being allowed more than one pound of biscuit per day. The use of biscuit, it is to be observed, was to be discontinued as soon as the bakehouse had been rebuilt; but the Frenchmen were absolutely deaf to remonstrances. A detachment of the Cheshire militia, and the South Gloucester regiment, were drawn up on the walls surrounding the prison ; and although they had loaded their pieces with ball, the prisoners appeared undaunted, and insulted them in the grossest terms; indeed, our brave men withstood the contumelious language of the prisoners with a patience beyond all praise. A sentinel on duty, called Jones had his bayonet wrenched off his piece, yet nobly reserved his fire: an officer, however followed the Frenchman, struck him over the shoulder with his sword, and brought off the bayonet. The Frenchmen even bared their breasts the troops, and seemed regardless of danger. The number of prisoners is about 7500 ; and so menacing was their conduct, that an express was sent off Plymouth Dock at 11 o'clock on Sunday night, soliciting immediate assistance.—. Three pieces of artillery (six pounders) were in consequence sent off early on Monday morning; and on their arrival the principal gate (iron), the bars of which, of immense size, had been previously broken by stones hurled against them by the insurgents, they were placed in such directions completely to command the whole of the circle which the prison describes. This had the desired effect, and order was restored. It is to be noticed, that the allowance bread which these deluded men have so indignantly spurned, is precisely the same as that which is served out to our own gallant sailors and marines. The prisoners at Dartmoor have also been allowed to go out parties to work in the surrounding country ; but their conduct at the Depot, as well as on board the prison ships at Hamoaze, has always been very irregular—complaining when there was no reasonable ground of complaint, insulting the English officers, throwing meat or vegetables to the ground or into the sea, which were prime quality, and which would have been highly prized indeed by out own suffering peasantry.
I like the phrase "our brave men withstood the contumelious language of the prisoners with a patience beyond all praise", it inevitably reminds me of this.
Manchester Mercury, 10 November 1812
The Lancashire regiment having relieved the Somerset at Maker redoubt, and at St. Nicholas Island, the last corps go to Dartmoor.
The Lancashire regiment having relieved the Somerset at Maker redoubt, and at St. Nicholas Island, the last corps go to Dartmoor.
Exeter Flying Post, 19 November 1812
DARTMOOR and ROBOROUGH TURNPIKE.
NOTICE is hereby given, that the TOLLS arising at the Toll Gates upon the said Turnpike, called or known by the names of PRINCE TOWN GATE and RUNDLE STONE GATE, will be LET BY AUCTION at the Duchy Hotel, in Prince Town, on Wednesday the sixteenth day of December next, between the hours of eleven and two, for six months, from Christmas next.
Which Tolls have produced, since the Gates were erected, the several sums as under mentioned, above the expences of collecting them; and each Gate will put up separately in that produce.
Prince Town Gate, from 19th August to the 13th day of November, both days inclusive £80 13s. 8d.
Rundle Stone Gate, from the 14th September to the 13th day of November, both days inclusive. £10 14s. 8d.
Whoever happens to be the best bidder, must at the same time give security, with sufficient sureties to the satisfaction of the Trustees of the said Turnpike Road, for the payment of the rent agreed for, and at such times as they shall direct.
GEO. GILES,
Clerk and Treasurer
Dated Nov. 14th, 1812.
DARTMOOR and ROBOROUGH TURNPIKE.
NOTICE is hereby given, that the TOLLS arising at the Toll Gates upon the said Turnpike, called or known by the names of PRINCE TOWN GATE and RUNDLE STONE GATE, will be LET BY AUCTION at the Duchy Hotel, in Prince Town, on Wednesday the sixteenth day of December next, between the hours of eleven and two, for six months, from Christmas next.
Which Tolls have produced, since the Gates were erected, the several sums as under mentioned, above the expences of collecting them; and each Gate will put up separately in that produce.
Prince Town Gate, from 19th August to the 13th day of November, both days inclusive £80 13s. 8d.
Rundle Stone Gate, from the 14th September to the 13th day of November, both days inclusive. £10 14s. 8d.
Whoever happens to be the best bidder, must at the same time give security, with sufficient sureties to the satisfaction of the Trustees of the said Turnpike Road, for the payment of the rent agreed for, and at such times as they shall direct.
GEO. GILES,
Clerk and Treasurer
Dated Nov. 14th, 1812.
It is interesting to note that the Princetown gate took eight times as much money as the Rundlestone gate.
Kentish Gazette, 4 December 1812
The body of a soldier belonging to the Shropshire regiment of militia, was a few days since, found Dartmoor Heath, about six miles from the Prison. It is supposed that he straggled from the last detachment of that regiment which marched to Dartmoor depot, and, being exhausted in his efforts to discover the Prison, became a Victim to the terrible inclemency of Dartmoor. So severe is the cold on the Moor, that the centinels on duty at the Prison are relieved every twenty minutes.
The body of a soldier belonging to the Shropshire regiment of militia, was a few days since, found Dartmoor Heath, about six miles from the Prison. It is supposed that he straggled from the last detachment of that regiment which marched to Dartmoor depot, and, being exhausted in his efforts to discover the Prison, became a Victim to the terrible inclemency of Dartmoor. So severe is the cold on the Moor, that the centinels on duty at the Prison are relieved every twenty minutes.