January 25—A labouring man robbed at Barbourne, Worcester, by footpads; and, two days after, a farmer, on horseback, was stopped at the same spot.
February 21—A man apprehended in Worcester market for “forestalling,” and committed to the assizes for trial.
March 9—A “Worcester Fire Office” established, with a capital of £100,000.
April 4—Disturbances in the Worcester markets, on account of the high price of provisions. The magistrates issued a notice that sellers would be protected. The consumption of butter greatly reduced in consequence of its enormous price.
April 7—The Corporation of Worcester offered premiums of 1s. 6d. for the first 100 bushels of potatoes brought into the market before the 1st July; 1s. for the second 100; and 9d. for the third. Claimants upon 240 bushels were paid. Wheat at 14s. 6d. to 18s. per bushel. Beef at least 9d., and mutton 10d. per lb.
April 25—The colliers of Stourbridge in a state of great disturbance from the scarcity. A squadron of the 7th Dragoon Guards sent into the neighbourhood.
May 2—Meeting of the gentry and inhabitants of Stourbridge; the Hon. Edward Foley in the chair; at which resolutions were passed, begging the farmers to bring wheat into that market to sell at 15s. per bushel, and barley at a price not exceeding 8s.
May 9—Disturbances at Redditch, which threatened to be very serious, but quelled by the Bromsgrove Volunteers, who stood a furious attack made on them by the mob with great firmness and prudence. Several of the rioters were apprehended, but discharged on finding sureties for their good behaviour.
May 15—Attempt on the King’s life in Drury Lane Theatre by Hadfield. Addresses from the Worcester Corporation were sent to the Right Hon. the Earl of Coventry for presentation, as recorder of the city.
May 30—Accounts of “Internal Defence Subscription” published, from which it appeared that £4,550 had been subscribed by the county, and £532 by the city of Worcester: spent equally in the augmentation of the Militia and the Yeomanry Cavalry.