|
15 July 1843 Gates Destroyed |
|
|
We are sorry to see that the destructive spirit of Rebeccaism has now spread itself over the whole of the Three Commots District; a great number of gates and bars having been demolished this week in that part of the country. Amongst others, Pontyeats, Mink, Pontyberem, and both gates of Kidwelly have been destroyed. The gate-keeper at Castellybingll,seeing a cart coming up on the full trot, threw the chain across the road, which made the horses stumble; the chain was instantly destroyed, and the gate-keeper soundly thrashed. At Vanissa, a private gate which secured a limekiln belonging to J. E. Saunders, Esq., of Glanrhwdw, was destroyed, and burnt in the limekiln. The Bridge End gate, near Langennech, has been demolished, and the toll-house much damaged; and the Forest gate, between Pontarddulais and Llanedy, was destroyed and afterwards burnt. On Friday night, a visit was
paid by Rebecca and her children to the village of Llandarog, about six
miles from Carmarthen. They mustered about 500, armed with guns, swords, and pickaxes. Notice had been previously given that Rebecca intended paying a visit at the above gate, and accordingly, about midnight this renowned lady and her daughters fulfilled their promise. When they arrived at the gate, they inquired of the toll-collector what was to pay, to which the frightened gentlemen instantly replied, "Nothing for you ma'am." Rebecca having acknowledged the politeness of the collector, desired him to go into his dwelling and shut himself in, which he immediately did, and her orders were give for the destruction of the gate. In a short time it was levelled with the ground, amid the exultation of the family and the firing of guns. They then proceeded to Troedyrhiw gate which met the same fate.
|
Carlisle Patriot