1-155-261 - Ann Ronan Picture Library/Heritage-Images

Rebecca Riots in Wales, 1843. Men and boys, many dressed as women, attacking a turnpike gate in protest at charges at tollgates on public roads. Another of their main targets was union workhouses. The riots broke out in south-west Wales in 1839 and again in 1842-1844 and were motivated by a variety of grievances including rural poverty, increased tithe charges and the Poor Law Amendment Act of 1834. From The Illustrated London News, 11 February 1843.