Throwing Squibs in the Bail of Lincoln 1790

For several years Bonfire Night had been an excuse for miscreants to wreak havoc in the Bail in Lincoln – bull-baiting, bonfires and fireworks, but by 1790 enough was enough and the Magistrates of north Lincolnshire (Lindsey) decided to take action. This handbill, found at Lincolnshire Archives, was one of at least 100 printed to spread the message that “peace officers” would be ready to apprehend offenders.

The text in full on the handbill reads:

Fifth of November

The brutal and savage Custom of BULL-BAITING, and  the dangerous Practice of making BONFIRES, and of throwing SQUIBS, having been for some Years past, exercised in the BAIL of LINCOLN, to the great Offence and Terror of the peaceable and well-disposed Inhabitant,  and to the manifest Hazard of their Lives and Properties;

The MAGISTRATES acting for the Division of LINDSEY, feel it a Duty incumbent upon them, to put a Stop, within their Jurisdiction, to Proceedings so offensive to Religion, Contrary to Law, and so disgraceful to Society.

It is, therefore, thus publicly made known, that a sufficient Number of Peace Officers will be appointed, to prevent the like at the ensuing Season, and to apprehend all such Offenders, so that every legal Punishment may be inflicted on them.

Justice Room, Angel Inn, Lincoln, 29 October, 1790

 This handbill shows that the Magistrates were in the habit of holding their meetings at the “Angel Inn” where there was a room known as the “Justice Room”. Inns were frequently the venues for meetings of official business. The Angel Inn dated from 1313-14, as an inn, and included several buildings, stables and a yard. It was on the corner of Eastgate and Bailgate opposite the White Hart Inn. It was one of three large inns clustered in Bailgate, the others being the Antelope which was opposite and the White Hart which still operates.