Leek
Leek, in Staffordshire, was also an important parole centre.
‘The officer prisoners at Leek received all courtesy and hospitality at the hands of the principal inhabitants, with many of whom they were on the most intimate terms, frequenting the assemblies, which were then as gay and as well attended as any within a circuit of 20 miles. They used to dine out in full uniform, each with his body-servant behind his chair.’ (Sleigh’s History of Leek.)
The first prisoners came here in 1803 from San Domingo. In 1809 and 1812 many more arrived—some accounts say as many as 200, and one fact considered worthy of record is that they were to be met prowling about early in the morning in search of snails!
A correspondent to Notes and Queries writes:
‘All accounts agree that these unfortunates conducted themselves with the utmost propriety and self-respect during their enforced sojourn among us; endearing themselves to the inhabitants generally by their unwonted courtesy and strictly honourable behaviour. But as to their estimate of human life, it was unanimously remarked that they seemed to value it no more than we should crushing a fly in a moment of irritation.’
The Freemasons had a Lodge ‘Réunion Désirée,’ and a Chapter ‘De l’Amitié,’ working at Leek in 1810–11.