The Forgotten Riots of 1830

On display in the Mezzanine Gallery from Tuesday 10th February – Saturday 21st March

The Forgotten Riots of 1830 explores a pivotal yet often overlooked moment in the history of rural England.

In the Autumn of 1830, communities across Kent, Hampshire and Sussex erupted in protest as rising food prices, falling wages, harsh weather and the spread of laboursaving machinery pushed agricultural workers to the brink. 

This exhibition uncovers the world in which the riots—later known as the Swing Riots—took shape. Through a series of panels, it introduces the people, pressures and political changes that fuelled this wave of unrest, revealing how fear, frustration and hardship collided to ignite widespread resistance. 

Visitors are invited to delve into the stories and voices of those who lived through this turbulent period, gaining insight into the realities of rural life during a time of rapid transformation. The Forgotten Riots of 1830 encourages reflection on resilience, community and the lengths to which ordinary people will go when their lives and livelihoods are pushed beyond breaking point. 

Want to learn more? There will also be two talks held during this exhibition. To book, please follow the following links – Researching the Riots with Penny Munday and Defiance and Destruction with Neil Spurgeon