A Man Of Too Much Honour by Elizabeth Holford

Oldtuberadio

Saturday-Night Theatre: A Man of Too Much Honour Sat 12th Dec 1981, 20:30 on BBC Radio 4 FM  By Elizabeth Holford With Alan Moore as Colonel Brereton and Howard Goorney as Milford The place: The place: Bristol The time: October, 1831  Law and order have broken down entirely; the authorities are powerless to control the rioters and the centre of the city is being looted and burned. The pressures on the local military commander, Colonel Brereton, are immense: to do something drastic. But has he not too much honour for such draconian measures?  Writer: Elizabeth Holford  BBC Bristol - Director: Brian Miller  Colonel Brereton: Alan Moore Milford: Howard Goorney Prosecutor: Hedley Goodall Herapath: Christian Rodska Ludlow: Roger Snowdon Pinnev: Rex Holdsworth Emma: Patience Tomlinson Mrs Milford: Ursula Hanray Lionsworth: Andrew Secombe Davis: Mark Buffery Warrington: Stephen Garlick Gage: Gary Cady Wetherell: Esmond Rideout   Do you enjoy the variety on Oldtuberadio? Like, Share and Subscribe to be notified of our new shows #radio #crime #thriller #drama To Support this channel please visit https://www.buymeacoffee.com/oldtuberadio https://ko-fi.com/oldtuberadio98 https://www.patreon.com/oldtuberadio https://locals.com/Oldtuberadio

Transcript

00:00:00Mr. President and members of this Honourable Court, I appear before you at the suit of

00:00:19the King as the prosecutor of Lieutenant Colonel Brayton, prisoner at the bar. It's unnecessary

00:00:26that I should occupy the time of the court expatiating on the nature of the charges here

00:00:30prepared against the prisoner. I shall therefore content myself with observing that among those

00:00:37charges there are some which carry a culpability such as I thoroughly believe to be altogether

00:00:43unprecedented in the case of a British officer.

00:00:47Mr. Riots were there. The disgraceful consequences have formed a theme for discussion in every

00:00:57public print and in every private society throughout the kingdom.

00:01:01I hear he's pleading not guilty to all charges.

00:01:04Heh, wasted time I should have thought.

00:01:06It was a case of pure cowardice. The man was petrified with fear.

00:01:09I thought him courageous.

00:01:10He was totally incompetent, quite unable to deal with the situation.

00:01:13This was more than incompetence, Mr. Ludlow. Brayton is a dangerous man.

00:01:18A Man of Too Much Honour by Elizabeth Holford, with Alan Moore as Colonel Brayton and Howard

00:01:25Gourney as Milford. A Man of Too Much Honour.

00:01:31Now, Mr. Pinney, are you mayor of this town?

00:01:35I am.

00:01:36Well, will you tell the court what were the circumstances in which you decided to ask for

00:01:43detectwitch and soldiers to be sent to Bristol in October last, 1831?

00:01:47Well, the occasion was, as the court knows, the jail delivery which had been fixed for

00:01:52Saturday, October the 29th. Sir Charles Weatherill, who is recorder of the city, was due to open the

00:01:58exercise on that date. And we, or that is, the magistrate, see, soon realized that his arrival

00:02:04would excite strong, in fact, of violent public feelings. The friends of reform had stirred up

00:02:12the lowest elements of the city against him. There were noisy meetings, placards appeared on walls,

00:02:17and some of them very abusive. Sir Charles Weatherill is, of course, also a member of parliament,

00:02:24to say now. Exactly, yes. And it was in that capacity that he'd spoken out against reform,

00:02:29and apparently incensed the people of Bristol. And I'll be pleased to tell the court what steps

00:02:34were taken by the magistracy to guard the recorder. Well, it's difficult to decide what to do. Various

00:02:42ideas were put forward, and, well, finally, Lieutenant Paxton suggested that the seamen of Bristol should

00:02:48be asked to form a protecting force. They are usually, I may say, a most well-behaved body of men.

00:02:54He held a meeting on board his ship, the Earl of Liverpool, on October the 18th.

00:02:59I was with Alderman Milford on that evening, and we got the news of his house.

00:03:05Mr. Pinney, a word in your ear, if I may? Oh, yes, certainly.

00:03:09Let us withdraw, shall we, and lead the ladies to applaud.

00:03:18The town clerk here has just received word of Lieutenant Claxton's meeting.

00:03:22Yes, I've arranged to have intelligence brought to me here immediately. I thought in the circumstances

00:03:28you'd wish to hear as soon as possible. Yes, and what was the intelligence?

00:03:31Ah, well, bad news, I'm afraid, Mr. Pinney. The seamen have absolutely refused.

00:03:39Oh, dear.

00:03:41There have been noisy scenes.

00:03:43Yes, not a riot, I suppose.

00:03:47Well, not quite. They held a meeting and have passed a resolution saying they were loyal to the king,

00:03:54but will not be made a cat's paw of the corporation.

00:03:56Oh, cat's paw indeed. This is the political union. This is Heropath's language.

00:04:02These damned radicals are stirring up the whole town.

00:04:06They're stirring up the whole country.

00:04:08I hear there were several people killed in the riots at Derby.

00:04:11They broke into the city jail, you know.

00:04:13Yes, and they set the castle on fire at Nottingham.

00:04:16That is why we must have adequate protection for the Assize opening.

00:04:19I think we should go back to the plan suggested at our last meeting.

00:04:23Well, then, ask the Home Secretary for a detachment of Dragoon.

00:04:26Yes, I hear he's likely to be sympathetic. They say he's very perturbed about the unrest up and down the country.

00:04:36One call! One call!

00:04:38I never thought my first act as mayor would be to send for the military.

00:04:42These are unusual times, Mr. Pinney.

00:04:45When I was in London last week, I heard talk of revolutionary armies being raised in the north of England,

00:04:52drilling at night under the cover of darkness.

00:04:55Do you believe it?

00:04:56Well, everyone in London does.

00:04:58The only question is how many men are involved.

00:05:01Some say 50,000, some say more.

00:05:05Ah, Miss Milford.

00:05:07What shall I sing for an encore, Papa?

00:05:09Mr. Pinney, my eldest girl, Emma. She's joined us since dinner.

00:05:13How do you do, sir?

00:05:13Last time I saw you, Emma, you were in Pinafores.

00:05:17Now I suppose you've come out.

00:05:18Well, I'm half out.

00:05:20When there are even numbers, I dine in the nursery.

00:05:22What shall I sing?

00:05:23Oh, anything you like, dear.

00:05:25We'll not do my strilling.

00:05:26Let's not do my best.

00:05:27All right.

00:05:28Charming.

00:05:28I can't believe she's grown up so quickly.

00:05:30Yes, you'll be losing her to some young man before long.

00:05:33My wife has some ideas on the subject, I believe.

00:05:37It's agreed, then.

00:05:39We send a deputation to Lord Melbourne.

00:05:40Yes, I suppose we must.

00:05:42And I have another suggestion.

00:05:44We should ask Herapath to get his political union to provide a civil guard for the recording.

00:05:48But do you think they would?

00:05:50They should.

00:05:50They're pledged to help bring in reform without breakdown of law and order.

00:05:54I would ensure keeping them out of mischief on that day.

00:05:57Yes.

00:05:57But would you trust them?

00:06:00It seems to me the political unions are getting altogether too much power.

00:06:04Well, I trust Herapath.

00:06:05He is a gentleman after all.

00:06:07Yes.

00:06:07So how a member of such an old family and a distinguished scholar too could degrade us?

00:06:12Quite, quite.

00:06:13He's a good mind wasted.

00:06:15Then, of course, he is a dissenter.

00:06:17Those who turn against the established church are the first to want to overthrow the established

00:06:21traditions of the country.

00:06:22Yes, but would the political union agree to our bringing in the military?

00:06:28There's probably no need to be very specific about that when we talk to Herapath.

00:06:32Who would be in command of the soldiers?

00:06:35I imagine they'd be under our local recruiting officer.

00:06:37That would be, what was his name?

00:06:39Brereton.

00:06:40Colonel Brereton.

00:06:41Oh, no.

00:06:41I don't think I know him.

00:06:42Oh, I met him.

00:06:44Seems an amiable fellow.

00:06:45Fiftish.

00:06:46Lost his wife two years ago.

00:06:48She was quite a young woman, I believe.

00:06:50Left him with two little girls.

00:06:53Doesn't go into society much, does he?

00:06:54I don't suppose he could afford it on his pay.

00:06:57Well, if we are to send a deputation, I suppose it should be soon.

00:07:01Without delay.

00:07:02If only 12 days.

00:07:03Perhaps a town clerk will...

00:07:04Oh, certainly, certainly.

00:07:06Well, he'll arrange everything.

00:07:08Now, whom should we ask to go?

00:07:16Well, Emma, did you enjoy the party?

00:07:19Yes, Papa.

00:07:20It was very pleasant.

00:07:20Oh, we had a delightful evening.

00:07:23Lady Emily is charming, and she quite agrees with me about the Clifton assemblies.

00:07:27The assemblies?

00:07:28That we must keep them exclusive.

00:07:31You know what a worrying time my committee has had with quite the wrong people trying to get invitations.

00:07:35But what pity you had to withdraw for so long, my dear.

00:07:40You missed all the music.

00:07:42Oh, we had corporation matters to discuss.

00:07:44You know, there's some problems over the opening of your assize.

00:07:48But, however, all he's being arranged quite satisfactorily.

00:07:52Well, there all shall have adequate protection when he comes down.

00:07:55Why is he so unpopular?

00:07:57Well, because as a good Tory, he spoke out in Parliament against the Reform Bill.

00:08:01The lords have now had the sex to throw out.

00:08:05And some irresponsible and unprincipled men have worked on the poorest people in the town to feel they have a grievance against him.

00:08:11The Whigs and radicals?

00:08:12Oh, the Whigs are quite respectable.

00:08:14We dine with several Whig families, do we not, Mr Milford?

00:08:17Indeed, the Mayor is a Whig.

00:08:19Prime Ministers are weak.

00:08:21The Whigs are prepared to allow reform to come in as a matter of political expedience.

00:08:26The radicals are the dangerous men, and they want to overthrow the whole Constitution.

00:08:31Everyone talks about reform, but I'm not very sure what it is.

00:08:34Oh, well, my dear, it's hard to explain in a way you'd understand.

00:08:41Parliamentary reform is what he's chiefly talked about.

00:08:44You see, Members of Parliament have always been elected by the peers of the realm, landowners and property owners.

00:08:52Responsible people who know how affairs should be run.

00:08:55Now, these radicals want to overthrow the tradition of hundreds of years and extend the vote to a lot of tradesmen who know nothing about it.

00:09:01So, only the wealthy should vote?

00:09:03Well, wealth brings responsibilities.

00:09:06That's why the magistrate of this town is made up of our sort of people.

00:09:11And it's the same with the government of the country.

00:09:13I suppose we got our wealth through the slave trade.

00:09:16Emma, don't keep plaguing Papa with questions.

00:09:19Well, we did very largely.

00:09:21It's a great pity we've ever put a stop to.

00:09:25Your grandfather and others of his generation built up the commerce of this town and made it what it is,

00:09:30a second city in the land.

00:09:32I've tried to follow in his tradition, and I hope your brother will do the same.

00:09:36Bristol owes a lot to families like ours.

00:09:39Now, don't forget that, Emma.

00:09:40No, Mama.

00:09:41Yes.

00:09:42Well, uh, off with you to bed now and get your beauty sleep.

00:09:47Good night, sir.

00:09:48Good night, Mama.

00:09:50Good night, my love.

00:09:51Anna asks all the too many questions.

00:10:00She should be thinking of young men and dances at her age.

00:10:03When is our next ball, by the way?

00:10:04Next week.

00:10:05The biggest of the season.

00:10:08Oh, I do hope this eye's opening will not interfere with it.

00:10:10Well, make sure it doesn't, my dear.

00:10:12To the quartermaster of his majesty's forces.

00:10:25Sir, I am in receipt of your letter of the 24th of October informing me of the arrival in the Bristol area of three troops of dragoons to be placed under my command.

00:10:42May I interrupt you, Tom?

00:10:45Gus.

00:10:46My dear fellow, nobody told me you'd come.

00:10:48I've been taking a professional look at your little daughter.

00:10:51And how do you find her?

00:10:52Sit down.

00:10:54Remarkably well, except when she remembers to cough.

00:10:56She's very fond of that cordial your good housekeeper gives her.

00:10:59Then you don't think it's serious?

00:11:00Certainly not.

00:11:01I prescribe some pink medicine, which will do no harm.

00:11:04You have two very healthy little girls, Tom, and worry inordinately about them.

00:11:09Perhaps I do.

00:11:10But they are motherless.

00:11:12Mrs. Pickford does her best.

00:11:14But they miss Olivia's love and care.

00:11:16I know.

00:11:17I'll look in and see them as often as you like, if it reassures you.

00:11:22You'll take a glass of wine with me.

00:11:23With pleasure.

00:11:24You know, Gus, she was so young still.

00:11:31I would so willingly have died in her stead.

00:11:33But you couldn't.

00:11:35Fate seldom makes the right demands on us, it seems.

00:11:40Don't brood on it.

00:11:41Oh, I am pretty content most of the time.

00:11:44I have nine good years to look back on.

00:11:47Makes a deal of difference, you know.

00:11:49I see I've interrupted your letter writing.

00:11:52Oh, it's the wretchedest thing.

00:11:54The magistrates have taken fright about the opening of the Assize next weekend.

00:11:58Three troops of dragoons are on their way here to be under my command.

00:12:01I'm not surprised the corporation have taken fright.

00:12:03They're so damned unpopular that people will be glad of any excuse to throw rotten eggs at them.

00:12:08I wish they'd make other arrangements for their own protection.

00:12:11It's not very pleasant to have to confront one's fellow townsmen at the head of a detachment of dragoons.

00:12:15I don't suppose it'll come to a confrontation.

00:12:18One look at those splendid red and gold uniforms and fearsome steeds and the populace will retire to their homes.

00:12:24Unless it has the opposite result.

00:12:26I hear the political union is having one of its pro-reform meetings this week.

00:12:30That may have an inflammatory effect.

00:12:32These causes should be let alone.

00:12:35Reform will come, it's bound to come.

00:12:37If only people would keep cool heads about it.

00:12:40If everyone were as equable as you, Tom, the world would be a more comfortable place.

00:12:44Good night to you.

00:12:53Good night.

00:12:54Good night, Fancy.

00:12:56Thanks for your excellent speech.

00:12:58Good night.

00:13:00Good night.

00:13:00Hi, Mr. Herpat.

00:13:02That was a good speech you gave.

00:13:04I like what you said about the longer reform was delayed, the more the people would demand.

00:13:09It helps us to be patient.

00:13:11The Lord knows we've waited long enough.

00:13:12I'm glad you support us, Mr.

00:13:14Davis, sir.

00:13:15Mr. Davis.

00:13:17It's the bishops that are to blame, I reckon.

00:13:19They throw out the bill.

00:13:20They talk of Christianity, but they don't care anything for the poor.

00:13:24They're ragged children here running about the streets with no one to care for them.

00:13:28It breaks my heart to see them.

00:13:30And when there are rich folk living in great houses...

00:13:32I know, Mr. Davis.

00:13:32...stuffing themselves with food and got their money by owning slaves...

00:13:35I agree.

00:13:37But even when we get the reform bill passed, these things won't change at once, you know.

00:13:41They'd like to make us their slaves, that's what I say.

00:13:43They take our money and they never count for it.

00:13:46They get a man down from London who despises us to judge our poor wretches in prison.

00:13:51And now they're bringing in soldiers to crush us if we dare speak against them.

00:13:55Bringing in soldiers?

00:13:57Where did you hear this?

00:13:59It was true, sir.

00:14:00A man who came down in the mail coach this afternoon told my wife's cousin

00:14:04and he passed columns of soldiers on horseback, coming this way.

00:14:08This man, my wife's cousin's friend, he pulls down the window and asks one of the soldiers where they're going.

00:14:13And he tells them they're to be quartered near Bristol and be on hand in case of any trouble when the recorder comes.

00:14:19Why was I not told of this, Alderman Milford, when I was asked to persuade my members to form a guard for Sir Charles?

00:14:24It was a recent decision.

00:14:26One unprecedented in English history, I should think.

00:14:30I hope the magistrates will reconsider it.

00:14:32It's too late for that, I fear.

00:14:33The Tagus have already arrived and taken up their quarters.

00:14:35They will be the greatest provocation.

00:14:38There's feeling enough already in Bristol against the recorder.

00:14:40Feelings are asked what by you and your radical friends, my dear Harropath.

00:14:44The people would be perfectly contented if you had not persuaded them they had grounds for his settlement.

00:14:48Perfectly contented?

00:14:50I'm afraid you and your like are living in a dream, Mr. Milford.

00:14:53Do you really imagine the people of Bristol are contented with a harsh and corrupt corporation,

00:14:58which takes their money for its banquets and does nothing for them?

00:15:01They've borne it long enough.

00:15:03There is a spirit of inquiry in the land and it has reached Bristol.

00:15:07The old precepts will not do.

00:15:09They will be swept away whether you like it or not.

00:15:12We are at the threshold of a new era of reform.

00:15:14You must stand back, sir, or be swept under.

00:15:17You won't frighten me with your deprecogn, you Harropath.

00:15:19Keep it for the rabble who come to your meetings.

00:15:21Then let me give you a plain statement.

00:15:23Sir Charles must not come to Bristol.

00:15:26It's disgraceful that a politician should be allowed to hold office as a judge.

00:15:31He should resign now and not hold the assize.

00:15:33Sir Charles is determined to come and we consider he has every right.

00:15:37I see I'm wasting my time.

00:15:40You are bent on provoking the people.

00:15:42I'll take my leave.

00:15:43You'll not go back in your agreement to provide a guard for the recorder.

00:15:46You surely do not imagine my union would support you in these circumstances.

00:15:50I could not ask it.

00:15:53However, they'll do nothing to disturb the peace on Saturday.

00:15:56I can assure you of that.

00:15:58How the rest of the populace will react to having soldiers in the city, I can only guess at.

00:16:03The responsibility will be yours.

00:16:05Papa?

00:16:07Oh, I'm sorry.

00:16:08I didn't know you had a visitor.

00:16:09Professor Harropath is just leaving.

00:16:11Good morning, Professor Harropath.

00:16:12I met you at Miss Bell's house, my old governess.

00:16:15How are you?

00:16:16I'm well, thank you.

00:16:17Shall I give your regards to Miss Bell?

00:16:20Or rather, Mrs. Hale, when I see her?

00:16:22Please do.

00:16:23Good morning, Alderman Milford.

00:16:26Miss Emma.

00:16:26Good morning.

00:16:27There was no need for you to greet Professor Harropath so cordially, Emma.

00:16:37He is vice-president of the political union, which is a dangerous and disruptive element in the town,

00:16:41and approaches the corporation at every possible opportunity.

00:16:44Is he a revolutionary?

00:16:46He seemed so very nice when I met him at Miss Bell's.

00:16:48Oh, and that's another thing.

00:16:49I've explained before.

00:16:50I don't wish you to visit there.

00:16:51Oh, but I'm very fond of Miss Bell.

00:16:53You have a childish attachment to your former governess, I don't doubt.

00:16:57But she holds views which I do not approve of, and she has married a dissenter.

00:17:00Oh, but...

00:17:01Look, I'm not prepared to discuss it further.

00:17:03I'm busy and I've much to think about.

00:17:05What did you want?

00:17:06Mama would like to know if we may have the carriage.

00:17:09We have some shopping to do before the assembly.

00:17:11Ah, the assembly, of course.

00:17:12You're buying a new gown?

00:17:14No, a new sash.

00:17:16Order a new gown, if you wish, my dear.

00:17:18It's an important occasion for young ladies.

00:17:22Thank you, Papa.

00:17:23My dear, may I introduce Captain Gage of the 40th Dragoons and Captain Barrington of the 3rd Dragoon Guards.

00:17:45My wife and my daughter, Emma.

00:17:47Honourable.

00:17:48Miss Milford.

00:17:48Good evening, gentlemen.

00:17:49It was most kind of you to get his invitations, Ma'am.

00:17:52We are very glad to have you in the city.

00:17:53Oh, you know, Miss Milford, I've been hearing such dreadful tales, I don't sleep easy in my bed.

00:17:59Lady Emily's sister was sitting down to dine with her family when some bestial-looking men broke into the house,

00:18:04armed with blunderbusses, and snatched the food off the table under their very eyes.

00:18:08And you say there are dams of ruffians setting fire to Rick's not 30 miles from here.

00:18:12Never fear, my dear.

00:18:14These gentlemen will protect us.

00:18:16I see the mayor has looked in.

00:18:18I must go and have a word with him.

00:18:20You need have no fears for Saturday, Ma'am.

00:18:22If there's any trouble, we shall charge and disperse them in five minutes.

00:18:25Shall we, Warrington?

00:18:27A crowd is no match for a detachment of mounted dragoons, I assure you.

00:18:30I hope the horses won't be hurt.

00:18:32You rode past our windows when you came in yesterday, and they looked so beautiful.

00:18:36I regret you were only looking at the horses, Miss Milford.

00:18:39I'm sure I remember your face at the window.

00:18:41Really?

00:18:42Yes, certain of it.

00:18:43I don't remember you, but I saw you, Captain Warrington.

00:18:47I don't think I recollect the...

00:18:48Warrington never sees anybody.

00:18:50He looks straight ahead.

00:18:51A great mistake.

00:18:52You'll be greatly in demand here.

00:18:54We haven't near enough young men, and no officers.

00:18:56Ladies and gentlemen, will you please take your partners for the quadrille?

00:19:02May I have this dance, Miss Milford?

00:19:04Will you excuse us, Ma'am?

00:19:05Oh, certainly.

00:19:06Uh, don't dare about to get too hot in my lap.

00:19:15Your deal, sir.

00:19:16Your deal, Gus.

00:19:17Ah, Colonel, I thought we might find you in the card room.

00:19:21I don't think you've met our new mayor.

00:19:23Mr. Pinney, may I introduce Colonel Brereton, our local field inspecting office?

00:19:27How do you do, sir?

00:19:28Sir.

00:19:28And, uh, Major Loinsworth, surgeon to the army.

00:19:31Good evening.

00:19:31Oh, very glad to meet you both.

00:19:33I feel somewhat out of touch after having been abroad so long.

00:19:36Bristol's a pleasant place to come back to, I find.

00:19:38Indeed, yes.

00:19:39In spite of the present unrest, and that'll soon pass, I'm sure.

00:19:42Indeed, I believe we're not near so unsettled as most of the country.

00:19:46Of course, um, I'm in favor of reform myself, unlike my friend Milford.

00:19:52We agree to differ.

00:19:54Yes, well, we mustn't allow ourselves to be bullied by these radicals.

00:19:58And I'm very glad to know you'll be in charge of the troops, Colonel.

00:20:02Well, I shall keep them well out of the way.

00:20:04But, of course, we shall be at the ready in case you need us.

00:20:07Oh, I sincerely hope that won't be necessary.

00:20:09The Home Secretary was insistent they should only be used if absolutely unavoidable.

00:20:14We won't go further than a few hisses and boos.

00:20:17This is the West Country, after all.

00:20:18I hope you're right, Major.

00:20:20Well, gentlemen, I must be on my way.

00:20:23I only just looked in.

00:20:24I don't care for late hours.

00:20:26I shall not be let off so lightly, I fear.

00:20:30My daughter is dancing with one of your young officers and looks as though she's enjoying herself.

00:20:34Wait until your daughters are of dancing age, eh, Colonel?

00:20:38Good night.

00:20:41Our new mayor seems a rather nervous character.

00:20:44I'm sure his fellow magistrates will take good care of him.

00:20:47I wonder why they chose a Whig when they're all Tories.

00:20:49For the same reason as we've got a Whig government to see reform through quietly.

00:20:53I doesn't see much hope of that, to judge by the present state of affairs.

00:20:57Well, Tories hold the radicals to blame for that.

00:20:59Plague on both their houses, I say.

00:21:01When they create this sort of situation and expect us to keep the peace.

00:21:05Isn't that one of our younger lands wandering about?

00:21:08Oh, good evening, Captain Warrington.

00:21:10I thought you were dancing with Emma Milford.

00:21:12That was Captain Gage, sir.

00:21:14We were both introduced, but he...

00:21:15Who was quicker off the mark, eh?

00:21:17I'm not much of a dancing man.

00:21:18That's a poor excuse.

00:21:20You must secure her for the next dance.

00:21:22She's a pretty girl.

00:21:23We were honoured to be introduced.

00:21:25Milford's rank exceedingly high in Bristol.

00:21:28Alderman Milford owns a vast deal of shipping and a vast deal of estates in the West Indies.

00:21:32So did his father.

00:21:34They're a wealthy Tory family.

00:21:35You can go no higher here.

00:21:37Mr. Milford was kind enough to be friendly towards us.

00:21:39He's a good friend to have.

00:21:40Powerful man.

00:21:42Would you care to join us for a game?

00:21:44He doesn't want to play cards, Gus.

00:21:47He's going to snatch Emma Milford from the arms of Captain Gage.

00:21:51Isn't that so, Captain?

00:21:52I was hoping to do something with you, sir.

00:21:53Yes.

00:21:54Well, away with you, then.

00:21:55Bold tactics.

00:21:56Yes, sir.

00:21:57Good night.

00:21:58Good night.

00:21:59What a serious man.

00:22:02You know, I was serious at his age.

00:22:04Had dreams of glory.

00:22:06Can to rival Wellington, no less.

00:22:08And I've ended by just being another undistinguished officer with nothing to be proud of.

00:22:16Still, I've always tried to look after my men.

00:22:18I don't think I've ever lost a man, unnecessarily.

00:22:21Wish I could say the same as the doctor.

00:22:24Did it play or not?

00:22:25I'm sorry.

00:22:26I can't concentrate on this game.

00:22:27I suppose I'm a little tired.

00:22:28You haven't long been out of bed.

00:22:30You look rather yellow still.

00:22:31Do I?

00:22:32At all events, I don't feel like a late night.

00:22:34I think I'll be on my way now.

00:22:36I'm ready to go as well.

00:22:37Oh, we're getting old, Tom.

00:22:41I have my gig here.

00:22:43Ride with me as far as you are.

00:22:56You dance very well, Captain Wellington.

00:22:58Don't look so anxious.

00:23:00I'm afraid I've had little practice.

00:23:01I have been soldiering since I was of dancing age.

00:23:04You speak as though officers never attended balls.

00:23:07Why did you choose to go into the army?

00:23:10I never thought of doing anything else.

00:23:12My father and brother of soldiers, my grandfather was, and my grandparent.

00:23:17I can't imagine what I should have done if I'd not been able to get a commissioner.

00:23:23Have you ever killed anyone, Captain Wellington?

00:23:25Uh, well, yes.

00:23:28In the course of battle, you know.

00:23:29If we didn't kill them, they would kill us.

00:23:31Yes, I suppose so.

00:23:33Well, now will we take hands again?

00:23:34That's right.

00:23:35You're becoming very proficient.

00:23:37But do you feel very nervous?

00:23:39Dancing?

00:23:39No.

00:23:40Going into battle.

00:23:41Oh, well, not really.

00:23:44There's no time to think.

00:23:45I see.

00:23:46You ask rather surprising questions, Miss Wilford.

00:23:48I have to take what opportunities I can to find out about things.

00:23:51I left school last summer.

00:23:53What do young ladies do in Bristol when they have left school?

00:23:55Oh, I drive out with Lamar, take piano lessons, go to assemblies like this one.

00:24:00Not a very exciting life.

00:24:02Do you want an exciting life?

00:24:04I should like there to be something more than just marrying and living all my life in or

00:24:08near Briscoe, which is what I probably will do.

00:24:11What else could you do?

00:24:12Oh, you sound like everybody else, except Miss Bell.

00:24:15She was my governess for two years when I was a little girl, and she made everything interesting.

00:24:19She said one should always be going forward.

00:24:22Every new generation had something to contribute, women as well as men.

00:24:25She sounds like a blue stocking.

00:24:27She said one should always think things out for oneself, never take anything for granted.

00:24:31So perhaps that has made me restless.

00:24:33My father didn't approve of her views at all, and when he found out she belonged to

00:24:37a society for the emancipation of slaves, she had to go.

00:24:41I thought I should never get over it.

00:24:42Do you ever hear from her?

00:24:43Oh, yes.

00:24:44She married and lives not far from us now.

00:24:47And your parents allow you to visit?

00:24:48The portal is forbidden, unfortunately.

00:24:50That will make it quite difficult.

00:24:52But you can still go, hmm?

00:24:53Yes.

00:24:54I don't like deceiving my parents, but this matters to me very much.

00:24:58I think you are a most remarkable girl, Miss Milford.

00:25:01Ah.

00:25:03I'm afraid I'm rather ordinary.

00:25:08You'll soon hear that I've married the son of some other alderman and have an establishment

00:25:12of my own in the best part of Bristol.

00:25:14Emma, my love, your father would like to go home now.

00:25:17Then I suppose I must say goodnight, Captain Warrington.

00:25:19If you would care to call some afternoon, we shall be pleased to see you.

00:25:23We're always at home between two and four o'clock.

00:25:25Thank you, Mrs. Milford.

00:25:26I shall be delighted.

00:25:27When will you come?

00:25:28Tomorrow?

00:25:28Uh, I'm afraid I have to be on duty until after the weekend.

00:25:32Monday, then.

00:25:32I shall be most happy.

00:25:33And do bring your friend.

00:25:35Captain Gay.

00:25:36Of course.

00:25:37If you wish it.

00:25:38Emma!

00:25:39The carriage is waiting.

00:25:40Coming, Emma.

00:25:42Goodnight.

00:25:42I shall see you on Monday.

00:25:43Frost in the air.

00:25:55Very sharp.

00:25:56Only seven weeks till Christmas.

00:26:03What the devil's that?

00:26:04Whoa, there, steady you go.

00:26:06Whoa, whoa.

00:26:07A bell and no bishops.

00:26:09Oh, Charlie, what's wrong?

00:26:12We'll send him home.

00:26:14We'll send him home.

00:26:16We'll send him home on Saturday.

00:26:19Saturday, Saturday.

00:26:21We'll send him home on Saturday.

00:26:25But he don't want him.

00:26:27Hang on, tell you.

00:26:28You're fighting the mirror.

00:26:30Whoa, steady, Dad.

00:26:31Look out, Jimmy.

00:26:32Wait, fool.

00:26:33Steady, now.

00:26:34Steady, steady.

00:26:36Steady.

00:26:38Thank you very much.

00:26:39Good night, gentlemen.

00:26:43Good night to you.

00:26:45Come on, you.

00:26:46Go, Diggel.

00:26:47Go on.

00:26:51Hey, we want the pill.

00:26:57Luckily, there was one sensible man among them.

00:27:00I know that man.

00:27:01I know his face.

00:27:03He has a business down by the docks.

00:27:05Davis, that's the name.

00:27:07Good-hearted fellow.

00:27:08That's a good deal for the raggy children down there.

00:27:10But he can't take a drop of drink.

00:27:13Talks a lot of nonsense when he's drunk.

00:27:15Ah, here's my door.

00:27:17Oh, hold him.

00:27:18Oh.

00:27:19Will you come in for a little while?

00:27:21No, not this evening, Gus.

00:27:23The children will be expecting me.

00:27:25Mrs. Prickforth said they never go properly to sleep

00:27:27until I've been in to kiss them goodnight.

00:27:28Perhaps you'll dine with us next week.

00:27:30After the weekend, yes.

00:27:32You know, I shall be glad when this exercise opening is safely over.

00:27:35And you'll have two zealous young captains of dragoons to aid you.

00:27:38Oh, that's one thing which worries me.

00:27:39Zeal is not quite what is wanted in this situation.

00:27:42Didn't you imagine we're going to have serious trouble, Tom?

00:27:44I don't know.

00:27:45Our society here has a very elegant veneer.

00:27:49But it's built on the labor of a lot of underfed, dissatisfied people.

00:27:53One day this civilized surface will crack

00:27:55and then what's underneath will come rushing out.

00:27:57I think you're over-anxious.

00:27:59Oh, I don't mind admitting to you, Gus, that I fear a mob.

00:28:02Do you remember anything of the French Revolution?

00:28:04Not this recent bloodless affair, but the one in 89.

00:28:07Only what my parents told me.

00:28:09I was a boy of seven or eight when I began.

00:28:12I still remember the stories I heard from some of the refugees in our village.

00:28:16People went mad, Gus.

00:28:18Ordinary, decent citizens went wild with a lust for blood,

00:28:21behaved like savages, like wild beasts.

00:28:25I began to have a recurrent nightmare.

00:28:28A head of a pike being carried towards me

00:28:30by a crowd of villainous-looking people,

00:28:32a ghastly face streaming with blood.

00:28:34I always woke up sweating and screaming.

00:28:37Do you still have the nightmare?

00:28:39No, I think I lost it when I joined the army.

00:28:42I tell you, nothing I ever saw or heard in all my years

00:28:45as a soldier filled me with such terror.

00:28:47This is not Paris, Tom.

00:28:48Are the people here so very different?

00:28:50All that's needed is the spark to set them off.

00:28:53Then they won't be just the ordinary local people that we know.

00:28:57Yes, I do fear it.

00:28:58I hope to God you may have no reason to.

00:29:01And so do I.

00:29:03Good night, Gus.

00:29:04Good night.

00:29:06On the morning of Saturday, October the 29th,

00:29:09the recorder being due to arrive at 10 o'clock,

00:29:12Colonel Brereton gave orders that we were to proceed

00:29:14with our troops to the courtyard of the jail

00:29:16and to the cattle market

00:29:18and to remain there out of sight of the crowds,

00:29:21which were already gathering,

00:29:23unless given specific orders by himself or a magistrate.

00:29:27The recorder duly arrived

00:29:29and was met at Totterdown

00:29:31by some of the magistrates in the sheriff's coach.

00:29:34These precautions are a great nonsense.

00:29:38They like me well enough in Bristol.

00:29:39Fated me last time I came

00:29:41because I'd spoken out against the Catholics,

00:29:43cheering crowds wherever I went,

00:29:44weather all forever and so on.

00:29:46All the same,

00:29:47I think we should waste no time

00:29:48getting across to the sheriff's coach.

00:29:49Oh, very well.

00:29:50Who are those ruffianly-looking fellows?

00:29:57They all seem to be carrying sticks as taves.

00:29:59Special Constable, Sir Charles.

00:30:01They will be guarding your coach.

00:30:02Good God.

00:30:04I see the good people of Bristol are out in force.

00:30:08What are they shouting?

00:30:09Not weather all forever, I fear.

00:30:14Colonel Brereton!

00:30:16I'm glad you've managed to keep your troops out of the way so far.

00:30:19I hear there's been some trouble with a special constable.

00:30:21Yes.

00:30:22As soon as the recorder was inside the guild hall,

00:30:24they turned on the crowd

00:30:25and started belaboring anyone they could get hold of.

00:30:27Most of them people who've done nothing but stand and stare.

00:30:30I was afraid of this.

00:30:31They took some prisoners.

00:30:32Yeah, but they were forced to give them up.

00:30:34The people are very angry.

00:30:36Did Sir Charles get safely to the mansion house?

00:30:38Yes, but the crowd went with him.

00:30:40I'd better get back to the barracks.

00:30:42We may be needed.

00:30:51How many out there now, Mr. Milford?

00:30:55More than there were.

00:30:56Several hundred.

00:30:57The square's full and they're pressing up against the railings below us.

00:31:01That's with a stone.

00:31:02It's a bloody disgrace.

00:31:04It's a mansion house under siege.

00:31:06I'd never heard of such a thing in England.

00:31:08There are a lot of turncoats.

00:31:10Fated me last time I was here.

00:31:12The military should be sent for.

00:31:13Yeah, but Mr. Hill House is already gone.

00:31:15Oh, they're pulling up the railings.

00:31:18Oh, God.

00:31:19Yes, she is.

00:31:20The three of them are advancing on the door.

00:31:22We shall all be murdered.

00:31:24We'll have that door down in a few minutes.

00:31:26We must barricade ourselves in.

00:31:27Get some heavy piece of furniture against the door.

00:31:29The table, by God.

00:31:30Come on, some of you.

00:31:31Help me.

00:31:32Let's have a look out the window.

00:31:34Yes, there's some feather beds upstairs.

00:31:39Hey, they're climbing into a downstairs window.

00:31:43Look, there's three of them.

00:31:45Hey, and another fine creature.

00:31:47God, they'll be up here in a minute.

00:31:50Listen.

00:31:51They're going downstairs.

00:31:52To the bankers.

00:31:53The one in summer.

00:31:53All our stocks are on.

00:31:59The troops have arrived.

00:32:00Oh, thank God.

00:32:02He's got it.

00:32:03Look at that.

00:32:04Colonel Brereton is dismounting.

00:32:08He's taken off his hat and he's waving it to the crowd.

00:32:12An extraordinary thing to do.

00:32:13Oh, hey, they seem to be allowing him to come in.

00:32:18Allowing?

00:32:19Things are coming to a pretty pass in this country.

00:32:21Yeah, we get more.

00:32:22Move that table back.

00:32:23Move that table back.

00:32:25Move that table back.

00:32:26Move that table back.

00:32:27There we are.

00:32:29Well, gentlemen, you appear to be besieged.

00:32:31Oh, thank the Lord, you're here, Colonel.

00:32:33The bulbs grow more violent every minute.

00:32:35They're getting into the kitchens and downstairs rooms.

00:32:38I've sent some men in to chase them out.

00:32:40It shouldn't be difficult.

00:32:41You're quite a good tempered crowd.

00:32:44I think the first thing we must do, Mr. Mayor,

00:32:45is to get Sir Charles away from here and out of the city.

00:32:48I can't leave.

00:32:49I have to open the excises on Monday.

00:32:51The people won't be quiet until you do leave, Sir Charles.

00:32:54I must take responsibility for your safety.

00:32:57The Colonel is right.

00:32:59You're not safe here, Sir Charles.

00:33:00Your life's in danger.

00:33:02How do you propose I take my leave?

00:33:04They've got us pretty well surrounded.

00:33:05Are you a climbing man, sir?

00:33:06What?

00:33:07Good head for heights.

00:33:09There's a flat roof over the dining room.

00:33:10Only a small drop from the back windows.

00:33:12From there you could make your way to the next house,

00:33:14where no doubt you could be lent a change of apparel

00:33:16and make your escape unreadnought.

00:33:17Oh, no.

00:33:18Oh, no.

00:33:19This is terrible, don't I?

00:33:21How could you do it, Sir Charles?

00:33:23Yes, sir.

00:33:24By God, I'll have a try.

00:33:26Spend me.

00:33:27You should make haste.

00:33:29Look, I'll show you the flat roof, Sir Charles.

00:33:31You'll come with me.

00:33:32Very well.

00:33:33But, by God, I'll come back and put all these fellows in the stocks.

00:33:38Colonel Berrifon.

00:33:39The riot act has been read, and we must ask you to clear the square

00:33:42and disperse the mob by force if necessary.

00:33:44You want me to open fire?

00:33:46We expect you to use whatever means are necessary to clear the square.

00:33:50I shall not open fire without a direct order from a magistrate.

00:33:53The responsibility must be yours.

00:33:56Mr. Pinney, as mayor, you are chief magistrate.

00:33:58What are your orders?

00:33:59What would you advise, Colonel?

00:34:02I am strongly against it.

00:34:04Most of these people are bystanders, doing nothing worse than a little shouting.

00:34:07None of them are armed.

00:34:08They're throwing stones.

00:34:09Yeah, and someone they've got I am reading.

00:34:11You're a reformer, aren't you, Mr. Pinney?

00:34:13Yes, I am.

00:34:13You don't want to be remembered as the mayor who ordered the massacre?

00:34:15No, indeed, I don't, Colonel.

00:34:17I am most anxious that all should pass off peacefully if possible.

00:34:20Good.

00:34:21I'll let my men can walk them away in a little while without any loss of life or living.

00:34:25Then you will all be able to go home if you want.

00:34:27We shall patrol the square through the night and be responsible for the peace of the city.

00:34:41Now listen to me, my good fellows.

00:34:45The recorder is leaving Bristol.

00:34:48You have sent him away as you wanted to do.

00:34:52Now please disperse and go quietly to your homes.

00:34:55Let us first give three cheers for the king.

00:34:58Hip, hip.

00:34:59Hooray.

00:35:00Hip, hip.

00:35:01Hooray.

00:35:02Hip, hip.

00:35:02Hooray.

00:35:04Are you for reform, sir?

00:35:06Of course I am, as much as you are.

00:35:08But you won't get reformed by throwing stones and breaking windows.

00:35:13Why, I know you.

00:35:15You stopped my horse from voting the other evening.

00:35:17That's right, sir.

00:35:18Davis.

00:35:19Christopher Davis.

00:35:20There's a feast laid out in there, sir.

00:35:23Fowls, game, pastries.

00:35:25A great mountain of food for a few gluttonous men.

00:35:28While poor folk are starving.

00:35:30It's a wicked shame.

00:35:32These things will be put right in time.

00:35:35But we must leave it to the men in Parliament.

00:35:37You know where I got this bottle of wine?

00:35:40I got it from the cellars.

00:35:41They got racks and racks of it brought with our money.

00:35:45Why, why, why?

00:35:46Well, I won't drink this bottle.

00:35:48Now you've made your protest.

00:35:50Be as sensible as you were the other evening and go home before any worse trouble breaks out.

00:35:54I will.

00:35:55But tell me first.

00:35:58Are you for reform?

00:35:59I've told you I am.

00:36:03You're a good man.

00:36:04A very good man.

00:36:06Although you're wearing a uniform.

00:36:09Let me shake you by the hand.

00:36:10What does he mean by shaking hands with those who ruff you and fancy themselves a popular figure perhaps?

00:36:22Well, that tall fellow near him is drinking a bottle of hour of wine.

00:36:25And he's waving his umbrella now and shouting something.

00:36:31Well, he's a respectably dressed man, too.

00:36:34Someone should take his name.

00:36:35We are going to need some names when this is over.

00:36:43Keep walking your men through the crowd, Captain Gage.

00:36:46So soon disperse them.

00:36:48You must use swords.

00:36:49Use the flat only.

00:36:50It's a large crowd, sir.

00:36:51We will not fire a couple of shots and send them off.

00:36:53We could, but we are not going to do so.

00:36:57It only took ten minutes to clear St. Petersfield at Manchester of ten thousand people.

00:37:01But they left hundreds of innocent bystanders dead and dying on the grass.

00:37:04I don't want that sort of victory in my city.

00:37:07Will you please all disperse and go to your homes?

00:37:18Well, gentlemen, the crowd is beginning to disperse.

00:37:22I think quite soon you will be able to go home.

00:37:23It's taking some time, isn't it?

00:37:25It does take some time to clear crowds without using unnecessary force.

00:37:28We must be patient a little longer.

00:37:31Now what's happening?

00:37:33They're bringing in two wounded soldiers.

00:37:35One stream in the blood.

00:37:36Colonel Branson, two of my men have been hit by flying stones.

00:37:39One is badly injured.

00:37:40Poor fellows.

00:37:41You'd better tear up some curtains to make some bandages.

00:37:44We'll get them to the infirmary as soon as possible.

00:37:46You still call us a good tempered crowd, coron?

00:37:48There are some rough elements, obviously.

00:37:50But it is still mainly a good-humoured crowd, and they are beginning to go home.

00:37:53Sir, can I take a couple of men and cut down the assayments?

00:37:56Much better not.

00:37:58We must not be provoked into answering violence with violence.

00:38:02Walk your men through the crowds again.

00:38:04If you must attack, use the flat of your swords only.

00:38:06This is the strangest operation I've ever taken part in.

00:38:08Colonel Branson, are you going to stand by and see your men knocked about by these ruffians?

00:38:12I am very sorry about the men, of course, but better two men injured than a riot breaking out.

00:38:17I'll go and speak to the crowd again.

00:38:20Ah, that will do no good.

00:38:22The young captain was quite right.

00:38:24The men who threw those stones will be cut down or shot.

00:38:26Why didn't you tell the colonel to fire, then?

00:38:29If that's your view.

00:38:29If that was your duty.

00:38:30You are chief, Melchistrate.

00:38:32I do wish we'd never allow Sir Charles to come here.

00:38:34As you immediately disperse, I shall be forced to use violence.

00:38:39The people are beginning to move away.

00:38:53All quiet here, Captain Warrington?

00:38:55Pretty quiet, sir, at last.

00:38:57Good.

00:38:58Some youths are breaking windows at the council house.

00:39:00I send Captain Gage off to scatter them.

00:39:02Otherwise, I think the city is fairly peaceful.

00:39:06It's midnight.

00:39:08Yes, and the night is cold.

00:39:10People will be glad to get home to their beds.

00:39:13There's nothing much to stay out for now the magistrates have all gone home.

00:39:16And they know the recorder has left Bristol.

00:39:18Have you heard any news of him, sir?

00:39:19Yes, he's safely out of the city.

00:39:21Disguised himself as a postillion, apparently.

00:39:23Got away unrecognized.

00:39:24I didn't imagine there was so much political feeling in Bristol.

00:39:27I'm afraid most of the crowds we had this evening know little of reform.

00:39:31It's a word to pin their hopes on.

00:39:33Many of them are wretchedly poor, you know.

00:39:36And the law deals harshly with them.

00:39:38A man can be transported for seven years for demanding food in a menacing way.

00:39:42You can't blame them for supporting any prospect of change.

00:39:45Are you in favor of reform, sir?

00:39:47In favor?

00:39:48You might as well ask whether I'm in favor of the railways.

00:39:52I think reform will come as the railways are coming.

00:39:55And no doubt it will be an excellent thing.

00:39:57There's plenty that needs putting right in the country.

00:40:00And you young people will see a lot of changes.

00:40:06Well, if it continues as quiet as this, I...

00:40:09I shall be able to celebrate my daughter's birthday tomorrow.

00:40:12Her birthday, sir?

00:40:13Yes, I hate disappointing the children.

00:40:16After all, one is only six years old once.

00:40:19I suppose so.

00:40:21You're not married yet?

00:40:22No, sir.

00:40:23Don't waste too much time about it.

00:40:26Don't follow my example and wait till you're nearly 40.

00:40:29Gives a centre to one's life, you know.

00:40:30Sense of proportion.

00:40:32My God, what's that?

00:40:34I hope the 14th haven't got into difficulties.

00:40:36I'll go and see, sir.

00:40:37Come on, boy.

00:40:39It will crack.

00:40:41It will crack.

00:40:43There's been a bit of trouble, sir.

00:41:03What sort of trouble?

00:41:04They started throwing stones at the troops and Captain Gage opened fire.

00:41:09A passer-by was actually lengthy shot.

00:41:11Shot?

00:41:11Shot dead, sir.

00:41:13God damn it.

00:41:14Now all hell will break loose.

00:41:20On Sunday morning, October the 30th...

00:41:22Will you please speak up, miss?

00:41:24Yes.

00:41:25On Sunday morning, October the 30th, my parents and I drove to morning service.

00:41:33It had not been possible to have the civic procession, but my father thought it important

00:41:37that we should go to church as usual to show we were not intimidated by a rabble.

00:41:41As we approached Queen's Square, we heard a great noise and saw that there were crowds there, mostly poor and ragged-looking people shouting and booing.

00:41:53Two squadrons of dragoons were drawn up, and I saw Captain Gage and Captain Warrington.

00:41:59We should be attacked!

00:42:00I knew it wasn't safe to go out!

00:42:02For heaven's sake, my dear, let us go home at once before we were all murdered.

00:42:05Quiet, my dear.

00:42:06There's no danger.

00:42:07Beaton!

00:42:08You must turn around at once and we'll step back!

00:42:10What is going to happen?

00:42:12Will they open fire?

00:42:13I hope they will not frown, those poor little people.

00:42:16Be quiet, child.

00:42:17Beaton!

00:42:18There are crowds searching up behind us.

00:42:20Let us run to that alleyway.

00:42:21Quickly, man, quickly!

00:42:22Go away, sir!

00:42:22Captain Gage is leading his trope away.

00:42:25Can't imagine why.

00:42:26Oh, look at those poor little children.

00:42:28I didn't know there were people like this in our town.

00:42:30Oh, there's Colonel Bereton.

00:42:32What in God's name is going on, Colonel?

00:42:35Rioting has broken out again.

00:42:37It's now much more serious.

00:42:38I had to withdraw my picket from the mansion house to arrest them early this morning.

00:42:42A crowd collected and broke in.

00:42:44The special constables were useless.

00:42:45What about the mayor, is he safe?

00:42:46He managed to escape across the roofs.

00:42:48I believe he's now at the council house with some of the magistrates.

00:42:51I'm afraid the 14th are the chief cause of the trouble.

00:42:54They should have passed away during the night, and the crowd are furious with them.

00:42:57I've just sent them back to their quarters.

00:42:59That leaves only one squadron here.

00:43:01It's quite insufficient.

00:43:02The third are still respected by the crowd, and with their help, I hope to prevent things

00:43:05getting any worse.

00:43:07That's all we can do until reinforcements arrive tomorrow.

00:43:09It is not all you can do, Colonel.

00:43:11Your men must open fire and clear this mob from the square.

00:43:13If they fire with a mob in this mood, the whole city will be given up to slaughter.

00:43:16Your men must soon scatter these people.

00:43:18I think not.

00:43:19They've been on duty for 24 hours, and they're very tired.

00:43:22Their horses all sown.

00:43:24It will be murdered, every one of them.

00:43:26I cannot see my men uselessly sacrificed, and the city becoming a battlefield.

00:43:29Colonel Berylton, I am a magistrate, and I am ordering you to open fire.

00:43:33I am afraid I must refuse.

00:43:35You refuse?

00:43:36I will take full responsibility.

00:43:38This is insupportable.

00:43:39We shall be attacked.

00:43:40I know we shall.

00:43:41You are quite safe at present, ma'am.

00:43:43But I should advise you, Mr. Milford, to get your wife and daughter home as soon as possible.

00:43:47You can go quite safely by the back streets, I think.

00:43:50I must get back to my men.

00:43:55Is it a riot?

00:43:56I've never seen a riot.

00:43:57I hope to God you'll not see one now.

00:44:00Bateson, take the ladies home.

00:44:02When you're back, see that all the doors and windows are locked and barred.

00:44:04Sir?

00:44:05No one is to go out.

00:44:06Now, my dear, there's no need to be alarmed.

00:44:08You will be safe.

00:44:09Sooner, you're not coming, Papa.

00:44:10No, no, I'm still to the council house to see the mayor.

00:44:13Something has got to be done.

00:44:35Oh, dear God.

00:44:36Soldiers coming across our street.

00:44:37It's the Fortease.

00:44:38They have blue locals.

00:44:40Oh, they're being pelted with stones.

00:44:42Rear threes.

00:44:44Face about.

00:44:45And present arms.

00:44:47Oh, no, no.

00:44:49No, don't fire.

00:44:50Rear threes.

00:44:52Recover arms.

00:44:54Will you please clear the street?

00:44:56Get the carriage out of the way.

00:44:58You're in my line of fire.

00:44:59Oh, Captain, engage.

00:45:00Rear threes.

00:45:02Present arms.

00:45:04Fire.

00:45:08Present arms.

00:45:10Fire.

00:45:15Oh, how horrible.

00:45:17There's blood all over the street.

00:45:19Oh, that poor power.

00:45:21We're coming up.

00:45:22Stop and do something, Papa.

00:45:24Of course we can't stop.

00:45:25Get us home, Nathan.

00:45:26We're as quickly as we can.

00:45:29But what is being done?

00:45:31We've done what we can.

00:45:32And some of us have been knocking on doors, urging people to come and help us defend the city.

00:45:36But, oh, very few have come forward.

00:45:38Some of the people were very abusive.

00:45:40We should have some plan ready.

00:45:42I said we should have a plan.

00:45:43You suggested asking the political union, and they wouldn't help us.

00:45:47And now I'm sure you shouldn't trust them if they did offer.

00:45:49Yes.

00:45:50Good morning.

00:45:51Oh, Colonel.

00:45:52What's the latest news?

00:45:54Not good, I'm afraid.

00:45:55The 14th Dragoons have fired again.

00:45:57Against my orders have killed at least one man and wounded several.

00:46:01The mood of the mob is now very violent against them.

00:46:04They're endangering their lives and everybody else's.

00:46:07I should like permission to send the 14th out of the city.

00:46:10Out of the city?

00:46:12We should be defenseless.

00:46:14We shall have the third Dragoon Guards.

00:46:15A will-discipline force.

00:46:17Surely there is some civil guard you can call upon.

00:46:20Where are the special constables?

00:46:22Oh, I think we have dispersed.

00:46:23We can't trace them at all.

00:46:25We can call on the posse commutators tomorrow.

00:46:26By tomorrow, I hope to have military reinforcements.

00:46:29It's today that we need them.

00:46:30Oh, it's been very difficult.

00:46:31We've done what we can.

00:46:34No, I don't think we can agree till the 14th has been sent away.

00:46:38Certainly not.

00:46:39The city's in peril.

00:46:40They must stay in defense.

00:46:42You don't understand the temper of this mob.

00:46:45Already they have nearly unseated three of my men.

00:46:48Once they are pulled off their horses,

00:46:49their Dragoons wouldn't last two minutes.

00:46:51Colonel, that drunken rabble is breaking windows and doors in Queen Square

00:46:54and they must be stopped.

00:46:56There's a great deal of property at stake.

00:46:57I am more concerned with lives than property, Mr. Milford.

00:47:00I'd rather a few windows were broken than my men torn to pieces.

00:47:03Yes, soldiers.

00:47:04It's their duty to defend the city.

00:47:06Against an invading army, yes.

00:47:08This is not an invading army.

00:47:10My soldiers are men like other men.

00:47:12They have families, lives to be lived.

00:47:14Why should they be slaughtered to save your property?

00:47:17You're so anxious about your goods,

00:47:18you should have made adequate arrangements.

00:47:21I have been given 93 men to control these thousands.

00:47:25If I am to manage it, I must have your support.

00:47:29I repeat, I want permission to send the 14th out of town.

00:47:34We cannot give it.

00:47:36I speak for the whole corporates.

00:47:38Yes, yes.

00:47:39Then I must send them away on my own responsibility.

00:47:42You seem to forget, Colonel Barrington.

00:47:44You are supposed to take your orders from us.

00:47:45You have given no reasonable orders.

00:47:48I have been on duty all night trying to save the peace of this city

00:47:51while most of you slept in your beds.

00:47:53I have asked for help and you offer nothing.

00:47:56Now I shall rely on my own judgment.

00:47:58In my opinion, you are not fit to be of magistrates.

00:48:02You're just a bunch of incompetent tradesmen.

00:48:05Good day to you, gentlemen.

00:48:06Do you think in the event of revolution breaking out

00:48:12we could rely on Colonel Barrington?

00:48:14Good Lord, no.

00:48:15I'd rather deal with the radicals than him.

00:48:17At least we know where they stand.

00:48:19Colonel Barrington has taken the law into his own hands

00:48:21and God knows where it will end.

00:48:33Well, Gus, how are things here?

00:48:35Four men cut by flying stones and pieces of iron,

00:48:38but none seriously hurt.

00:48:39I suppose you know that several people have been taken to the infirmary

00:48:43with shot wounds and sabre cuts.

00:48:45Yes.

00:48:47I am going to send the 14th out of town.

00:48:49They're a danger to us all.

00:48:51The magistrates have agreed.

00:48:52No.

00:48:53Is that wise, Tom?

00:48:54I think so.

00:48:56I can't rely on them for direction.

00:48:57I must take decisions for myself.

00:48:59If these people are provoked again,

00:49:01there will be burning and plunder and murder in the streets on a scale

00:49:03I dare not imagine.

00:49:04You've asked for reinforcements.

00:49:06Yes, but they cannot arrive before tomorrow

00:49:07and they may have difficulty in getting through to us.

00:49:10I hear they've already been rising to Bath and Merthyr Tydville

00:49:13in sympathy with the rioters here.

00:49:15They will try to delay the troops from setting out.

00:49:17So, this is the situation you dreaded?

00:49:22Yes, but now that it has come, I find myself ready for it.

00:49:26What do you propose to do?

00:49:29Well, first, send Gage and his troop out of the city.

00:49:32Then I shall speak to the mob.

00:49:36Captain Gage!

00:49:38Was the troop of the 14th Dragoons ordered into Queen Square

00:49:42under your command on Sunday morning, 30th of October?

00:49:46Yes, about 10 o'clock.

00:49:48And did Lieutenant Colonel Brereton sometime afterwards

00:49:51order the 14th to leave the square and return to their quarters?

00:49:56Colonel Brereton ordered me to retire immediately with the troop to their quarters.

00:50:00As it was evident, we were the whole and sole cause of the disturbance.

00:50:03And were you later ordered by Lieutenant Colonel Brereton

00:50:08to leave Bristol with a squadron of the 14th Dragoons?

00:50:12I was ordered by Lieutenant Colonel Brereton to leave Bristol on Sunday, as I imagine,

00:50:18between one and two o'clock.

00:50:19Now, state the manner in the place in which that order was conveyed.

00:50:23I received the order verbally from Lieutenant Colonel Brereton in the yard of Fisher's livery stables.

00:50:30The words were,

00:50:32Captain Gage,

00:50:34March your squadron immediately out of Bristol.

00:50:38If you do not,

00:50:39the whole squadron will be murdered.

00:50:40At that moment,

00:50:43my own horse and seven privates were at Lee's livery stables.

00:50:48Some delay ensued from my having to send for them.

00:50:51Colonel Brereton came to me a second time.

00:50:54For God's sake, Captain Gage,

00:51:02will you get out of town?

00:51:03May I ask where we are to go, sir?

00:51:05Anywhere you please.

00:51:06Only go away.

00:51:07Hey, what about King John?

00:51:10Gage John will do as well as anywhere else.

00:51:13Their livery stables there.

00:51:15Now, Captain Gage,

00:51:16mark your squadron off at the tron.

00:51:17Sir!

00:51:19Take that to mouth.

00:51:19Good work.

00:51:32Good work.

00:51:32Good work, Mr. Lattron.

00:51:34What's happening here now, Captain Warrington?

00:51:36The crowds are increasing all the time, sir.

00:51:37They seem very hostile.

00:51:39Walk your men round the square again, Captain.

00:51:41Try to disperse them,

00:51:42but on no account use force.

00:51:44We are few and we are all tired.

00:51:45They are thousands.

00:51:47If you're attacked,

00:51:47you may use the flat of your sword,

00:51:49but nothing else.

00:51:49Do you understand?

00:51:50Yes, sir, but...

00:51:51Well?

00:51:51If I may suggest,

00:51:52could we not charge them?

00:51:54My men are not too tired.

00:51:55They are ready and eager to have a try.

00:51:57I'm sure they are.

00:51:58Have you any experience of a mob, Captain?

00:52:00Not as large as this one, sir.

00:52:01If its moot turns really black,

00:52:03it could have us off our horses in no time

00:52:04and they'd make mincemeat of us.

00:52:06A mob has a will of its own,

00:52:08its own voice and its own mindless actions.

00:52:10It is essential we keep them reasonably good-tempered

00:52:12until the other troops get through to us.

00:52:15Now, I'd like you to clear a way through

00:52:16to the centre of the crowd.

00:52:17I'm going to speak to them.

00:52:18See what I can do by persuasion?

00:52:19You'll be in great danger, sir.

00:52:21I'm not worried about that.

00:52:22But surely I...

00:52:23There is a tide in the affairs of men

00:52:25which take on us to flood.

00:52:27Do you know your duty of Caesar, Captain?

00:52:28Sir?

00:52:29A great play.

00:52:31I've been in the shallows too long.

00:52:33Move forward, then.

00:52:35Give me a bit of space.

00:52:37My good fellows!

00:52:40I know there has been some shooting.

00:52:42That was against my orders.

00:52:46And there will be an inquiry.

00:52:50I have sent the 14th out of Bristol.

00:52:54The recorder left Bristol last night

00:52:57and will not be coming back.

00:53:00You all know me.

00:53:01You know I tell the truth.

00:53:03Now, for God's sake,

00:53:04leave this square and go quietly to your homes.

00:53:06This is Sunday, a day of peace.

00:53:10Free cheers for the king.

00:53:12Hip, hip!

00:53:14Hip, hip!

00:53:15Hip, hip!

00:53:17He's telling the truth.

00:53:19He's a good man.

00:53:20Are you here again, Mr. Davis?

00:53:22Have you no wife and family waiting for you at home?

00:53:24My wife's in church.

00:53:25She's a good woman.

00:53:27Believes all the clergy tell her.

00:53:28But I say they're hypocrites.

00:53:30If she's a good woman, you should be thankful.

00:53:32Go home and eat your Sunday dinner as she's cooked for you.

00:53:35There's many as will have no Sunday dinner.

00:53:37You will do no good by staying here.

00:53:39The riot act has been read many times.

00:53:41You are all breaking the law.

00:53:44But for God's sake, go home

00:53:46and persuade these men to do so too

00:53:48if you have any influence.

00:53:50You're right, sir.

00:53:51I believe you're right.

00:53:53What am I doing here?

00:53:54My wife told me not to come.

00:53:55To the bridegroom!

00:53:57To the present!

00:53:58Burn it down!

00:53:59Go to your homes!

00:54:01There must be no more destruction, I beg you!

00:54:04Go to your homes!

00:54:06To the bridegroom!

00:54:07Bring it up, Red Cross!

00:54:19Look at that, Mr. Herbath!

00:54:21The blaze of liberty!

00:54:23The prison's burnt down!

00:54:25They've burnt the treadmill!

00:54:26Set all the poor wretches free!

00:54:28Isn't it glorious?

00:54:29You're drunk, Mr. Davis!

00:54:31For heaven's sake, stop shouting and get away from this mob!

00:54:34You'll be noted!

00:54:35I've done nothing wrong!

00:54:37I've waited years to see this!

00:54:39You can't oppress the people forever!

00:54:40This is the best moment of my life!

00:54:43I hope we've got a laugh as gate jail, Natch!

00:54:45In a mission palace!

00:54:46Don't toss for it, Natch!

00:54:48I'm going to get a head to jail!

00:54:49I'll tie us to cover it!

00:54:52Four palace tubes!

00:54:54You shall be!

00:54:55Down with the churches, I say!

00:54:57I'm in the rotten pavements with a...

00:54:59No more fires!

00:55:01People will be injured and killed!

00:55:03Leave us alone, and we'll leave you alone!

00:55:06Colonel Brereton, what's to be done?

00:55:12I've done all I can.

00:55:15Why in heaven's name did you start all this?

00:55:17We've tried to arouse people to a sense of their rights.

00:55:20This...

00:55:21This is anarchy!

00:55:23Mindless destruction!

00:55:25Whatever you meant to do, you've raised a whirlwind.

00:55:28I believe we could still save the day if we could get some cooperation from the magistrates.

00:55:33I've just been to the council house to offer the help of my union, but they're too scared to accept.

00:55:38All they're thinking about is how to save their own property!

00:55:40However, I...

00:55:43I shall get some men together and do what I can.

00:55:48I wish you good luck.

00:55:51Mr. Ludlow, you are town clerk of this town, are you not?

00:55:56I am.

00:55:57Did you hear, or were you engaged in a discussion which took place between some of the civil authorities and Lieutenant Colonel Brereton,

00:56:05as to the expediency of recalling the 14th Ragoon?

00:56:10I was.

00:56:11Ah.

00:56:12Now be pleased to relate my past.

00:56:14Well, many of the citizens were attending in the large outer hall of the Guildhall.

00:56:20An account had been brought that the Bridewell, or the jail, or both, had been attacked by the mob.

00:56:28The citizens asked why the soldiers were not brought up, and said,

00:56:33We will hazard our lives if supported by troops, but we will not act without them.

00:56:40I spoke to Colonel Brereton before the persons in the hall, representing the dreadful state the city was in.

00:56:47I distinctly said to him,

00:56:49Colonel Brereton.

00:56:50I demand that you bring back the 14th.

00:56:53I cannot do it, sir.

00:56:54Cannot?

00:56:55I cannot, and I will not bring them back.

00:56:58There would not be a man left alive the next morning.

00:57:01If no one else reports your conduct to the authorities, Colonel Brereton, I will do so myself.

00:57:06Do what you please, but I must get back and try to control the mob.

00:57:09We must report his behavior to the horse guards.

00:57:15And the newspapers.

00:57:16He must be exposed in all the newspapers.

00:57:18I agree.

00:57:19There'll be questions asked, you know.

00:57:21Most probably questions in the House of Commons.

00:57:24We must make sure the blame goes to the right quarter.

00:57:27If we're not all destroyed first by his insane actions.

00:57:30We must make sure the blame goes to the right quarter.

00:58:00It didn't work, Gus.

00:58:20I couldn't hold them.

00:58:22You've done your best.

00:58:24Center of the city looks like a burning hell.

00:58:27Crowds getting drunk on stolen wine.

00:58:30Some have died in the flames, I believe.

00:58:33There's not a constable in sight and not a magistrate to be found.

00:58:38Isn't it time to bring back the 14th, Tom?

00:58:40No.

00:58:42I have absolutely refused.

00:58:45So far the mob have only attacked property, not persons.

00:58:48If the 14th come back, they'll be slaughtered.

00:58:51The heads will be carried on pikes through the city,

00:58:54and that will only be the beginning.

00:58:55I will save this town from revolution if I can.

00:58:59Steady.

00:59:00You can hardly stand.

00:59:03When did you last get any rest?

00:59:05I don't know.

00:59:06Friday night, I suppose.

00:59:08What day is it now?

00:59:10It was one o'clock on Monday morning.

00:59:12You've been on duty nearly 48 hours.

00:59:14You must get some sleep.

00:59:15You can't.

00:59:15I'm in charge.

00:59:17There is no one else.

00:59:18You can leave Captain Warrington on duty.

00:59:20Go to the adjutant's quarters and get four or five hours good sleep.

00:59:23Warrington's ill, poor fellow.

00:59:25He's got an egg, you.

00:59:27It's been raining for hours.

00:59:29It's a wonder it doesn't put the fires out.

00:59:31I told him to stay on call.

00:59:33He's a young man.

00:59:34Let him take over for a bit.

00:59:36It's Captain Warrington to be found here.

00:59:46Here I am.

00:59:47Who wants me?

00:59:47Ah, Captain.

00:59:48We come with an urgent message from the mayor.

00:59:52Well, this is addressed to Colonel Brereton.

00:59:54He'll be back at six.

00:59:55I'll hand it to him now.

00:59:56We can't wait until six o'clock, Captain.

00:59:58This is very urgent.

00:59:59We understand that you are in command of the troops in the colonel's absence.

01:00:02Please don't wait.

01:00:03Very well.

01:00:06I direct you as commanding officer of his majesty's troops

01:00:16to take the most vigorous, effective, and decisive measures in your power

01:00:21to quell the existing riot

01:00:22and prevent further destruction of property.

01:00:25Signed, Charles Pinney.

01:00:28I cannot act on this gentleman.

01:00:29It must wait for my commanding officer.

01:00:31In his absence, you are in command.

01:00:33Will you please order out the troops and charge the rioters?

01:00:35Colonel Brereton has expressly forbidden the use of any force.

01:00:38Never mind, Colonel Brereton.

01:00:39You are in charge now.

01:00:41I am under Colonel Brereton's orders.

01:00:43This is no time to wait for orders.

01:00:45A second city in the land is blazing.

01:00:48The mayor has asked you to defend it.

01:00:49Where is Mr. Pinney?

01:00:50The paper is only headed Bristol three o'clock in the morning.

01:00:54Is it advisable to keep the mayor's wary about secrets in the morning?

01:00:56You can take it from us.

01:00:57He is in Bristol.

01:00:58What is the matter with you?

01:01:01Are you ill?

01:01:01I have a fever, Achille.

01:01:03But I am quite ready and able to go out if I have proper authority.

01:01:06If I do order out the troops,

01:01:08I shall require a magistrate to go every step of the way with me.

01:01:12I wouldn't do.

01:01:14No.

01:01:14With the rioters and their present fury,

01:01:16it is better the magistrates are not seen in the city.

01:01:18Then I cannot order out the troops.

01:01:19Are you refusing to set out?

01:01:21Without proper authority, yes.

01:01:23You will regret this, Captain Boynton.

01:01:27Come along, John.

01:01:28You're wasting our time here.

01:01:29There will be a reckoning when this madness is over, Captain.

01:01:33Do not be in any doubt of that.

01:01:35Do not be in any doubt of that.

01:02:05Colonel Brereton.

01:02:09Colonel Brereton.

01:02:12I am very sorry to disturb you, sir,

01:02:14but the magistrates insisted that I woke you.

01:02:20What o'clock is it?

01:02:21Five in the morning, sir.

01:02:24It is very light.

01:02:26The fire, sir.

01:02:26They say you can see a pin drop seven miles away.

01:02:30Is the rioting still going on?

01:02:32Why, yes, sir.

01:02:33The whole of the centre of the city is a light.

01:02:35Nothing is being done.

01:02:37The men with the fire appliances are afraid to come out.

01:02:39The magistrates insist that you order out the troops at once.

01:02:43It's a nightmare.

01:02:46There is nothing more I can do.

01:02:48But, sir, we must try to save the city.

01:02:50Worse than my worst imagination.

01:02:52The men are very willing to have a try.

01:02:55It will be a massacre of us or them.

01:02:59May I tell the magistrate you will be coming down, sir?

01:03:01Oh, very well.

01:03:06I will dress and come down.

01:03:09You may tell the gentlemen I will be with them in a few minutes.

01:03:12Thank you, sir.

01:03:15You're doing your best.

01:03:18This was never in the rule book, was it?

01:03:20Emma.

01:03:24Why are you not in bed?

01:03:25I couldn't sleep.

01:03:26It's so light.

01:03:26That is Bristol burning.

01:03:28You've been down there.

01:03:29What is happening?

01:03:30Fires are spreading.

01:03:31Gangs of youth and boys are plundering private houses,

01:03:34dragging out anything they can lay hands on.

01:03:36Troops are there doing practically nothing.

01:03:38It's appalling.

01:03:39I wonder if Captain Warrington is safe.

01:03:41He's safe enough.

01:03:43That young man has cost the city thousands of pounds.

01:03:45What?

01:03:46He refused to go out and charge the mob.

01:03:48More than an hour was wasted until he got hold of the colonel,

01:03:51and meanwhile, most of the north side of Queen Square was fired.

01:03:53I'm sure he had good reasons for not taking out his troops.

01:03:56You know nothing about it, my dear.

01:03:59What is that sound?

01:04:01I believe it is.

01:04:02Yes, it is.

01:04:04Soldiers.

01:04:04A great many of them marching down the street.

01:04:07That could be the troops from Cardiff.

01:04:08I heard they had landed.

01:04:09Thank God.

01:04:11All this will soon be over now.

01:04:13What will happen?

01:04:14They will charge the rioters, of course, and make short work of them.

01:04:17They're mostly half insensible with drink by now,

01:04:19and I'll be able to offer much resistance.

01:04:21The soldiers will use their swords?

01:04:22I sure hope so.

01:04:23That rabble will be routed in half an hour or less.

01:04:26Those who are left alive.

01:04:27And we've got a list of the ringleaders.

01:04:29There'll be plenty transported and hanged when they come before the courts.

01:04:32They'll soon learn they can't revolt against authority and expect to win.

01:04:36Did you hear?

01:04:37They burn the new jail and let the prisoners out.

01:04:39They must have felt very desperate.

01:04:41Desperate?

01:04:41Don't you go getting any sentimental ideas about those creatures.

01:04:44They're trash to you, aren't they, Papa?

01:04:46What do you mean?

01:04:47Those poor ragged people.

01:04:48You hate and despise them.

01:04:50Emma.

01:04:50As you do your slaves.

01:04:51You're talking in a very silly, childish manner.

01:04:53Excuse me, Papa.

01:04:54I think I'm just beginning to grow up.

01:04:56Now listen to me, miss.

01:04:57Good night, Papa.

01:04:58I'm going back to my room.

01:04:59I'm going back to my room.

01:05:19I don't know.

01:05:49He seemed incapable of doing anything, as though he had collapsed inwardly.

01:06:01I don't know how else to describe it.

01:06:04You can describe it very well, Captain Warrington.

01:06:07What exactly happened when the fresh troops arrived?

01:06:11Here we are.

01:06:13Thank you, Loinsworth.

01:06:13They seemed to pull in from all over the place, and the 14th was brought back, as you know.

01:06:25The centre of the city was full of soldiers wanting direction.

01:06:30The colonel seemed unable to give the order.

01:06:33At last, Major Mackworth called to him.

01:06:37Colonel, you must instantly charge.

01:06:41Colonel Burriton rode with the rest.

01:06:45Rioters were easy prey.

01:06:49Mostly drunk and defenceless.

01:06:50It was a horrible sight.

01:06:59I was much affected by it, and I believe the colonel was also.

01:07:03He was unwell for some time, I think.

01:07:05I wanted to say all this in court, but I was told my evidence could not be accepted.

01:07:11It would reflect upon my own conduct during the riots.

01:07:14Of course, I immediately requested an inquiry into my conduct.

01:07:17What else could I do?

01:07:18And you know the result.

01:07:20I am to be court-martialed also.

01:07:22Yes, I was sorry to hear that.

01:07:24Oh, I feel I'm living in a bad dream.

01:07:28I cannot believe such a thing could happen to me.

01:07:33It is a terrible disgrace for my family.

01:07:35You did your duty as you saw it.

01:07:38That will appear at the trial.

01:07:40Loinsworth, I hope so.

01:07:42I am relying on Colonel Burriton's evidence.

01:07:44I am sure he will say all he can in your favor.

01:07:46He hasn't forgotten you, despite his own troubles.

01:07:49How is he?

01:07:51I think the long strain of waiting for this court-martial has told on him.

01:07:55He is anxious, of course, about the result.

01:07:58But I think sustained by a conviction that he acted rightly.

01:08:08Another victory to you, Gus.

01:08:11I am afraid I played a poor hand.

01:08:13Will you have another game?

01:08:14No, no, no.

01:08:15I have no heart for it.

01:08:16It didn't go badly today.

01:08:18The mayor did you good service by cutting such a poor figure.

01:08:21He certainly seemed rather confused, poor man.

01:08:24Don't waste your pity on him.

01:08:26He lost no time in trying to shift all the blame onto you.

01:08:29The corporation have been very much criticized, you know.

01:08:32It was a disaster.

01:08:33A total disaster.

01:08:36Haunts my dreams.

01:08:37But I don't see that I could have acted differently.

01:08:41Could I have fired on the crowds on Saturday and killed innocent people?

01:08:45Could I have retained the 14th and let them be murdered?

01:08:49I am convinced that I was right to do as I did.

01:08:52I'm sure you were, Tom.

01:08:53And I didn't lose a single man.

01:08:55That's a cause for satisfaction.

01:08:57I was right.

01:08:58But how to convince the court?

01:09:03Eleven charges.

01:09:04You have a good chance, Tom.

01:09:07If only I had Warrington's evidence.

01:09:10Poor fellow.

01:09:11His army career means everything to him.

01:09:14I'm dreading tomorrow.

01:09:16Gage will be in the witness stand again.

01:09:18I believe that young man hates me.

01:09:20Hates you?

01:09:21Isn't that rather strong?

01:09:23He's an arrogant young man,

01:09:24and I made him look foolish in front of a crowd of people.

01:09:28Captain Gage,

01:09:39on Sunday morning, the 30th of October,

01:09:42did Lieutenant Colonel Broughton,

01:09:44prior to the march of the squadron of the 14th from Bristol,

01:09:48make any inquiry

01:09:49or call for any report

01:09:52as to the state and efficiency of the men and the horses?

01:09:56None or whatever, on Sunday morning.

01:09:58I see.

01:10:01Now, Captain,

01:10:02I attach considerable importance to your answers to the next questions.

01:10:06In what state,

01:10:10as to the precious inefficiency

01:10:12for duty,

01:10:14were the men and the horses at the time of the squadron

01:10:16marching out of Bristol?

01:10:18I conceive the squadron was capable of performing

01:10:20any duty cavalry could be called upon to perform.

01:10:24Do you consider the construction of Fisher's livery stables

01:10:28to be such as to have enabled you and your squadron

01:10:31to have depended it against any attack from the rioters?

01:10:33I conceive that six men, three at each gateway,

01:10:37could hold it against any mob.

01:10:39He's right.

01:10:39Of course he's right.

01:10:41Now,

01:10:42as to the construction of Fisher's livery stables,

01:10:47are there folding doors at each end of the side

01:10:50which close on the inside

01:10:51and are secure

01:10:52unless forced from without?

01:10:55Why must they go on with these questions?

01:10:57Does the prisoner wish to make a statement?

01:10:59Yes.

01:11:00The livery stables were defensible.

01:11:02The men and horses were fit for any duty.

01:11:06Very well.

01:11:09We'll take the next charge.

01:11:11You may stand down, Captain Gage.

01:11:14Charges which carry a culpability altogether

01:11:16unprecedented in the case of a British officer.

01:11:18I told him the rioting must be put down.

01:11:21The square must be cleared.

01:11:23His answer,

01:11:24the troops cannot and shall not fire.

01:11:26For that he,

01:11:27Colonel Braderton,

01:11:28conducted himself in a feeble and temporizing manner,

01:11:31calculated to encourage the rioters.

01:11:33The town car directed Colonel Braderton

01:11:35immediately to bring back the 14th.

01:11:37He replied,

01:11:38I will not, sir.

01:11:39For that he ordered the whole of the squadron

01:11:41of the 14th light dragoons

01:11:42to move from Bristol to Cajum

01:11:44in violation of the duty

01:11:46wherewith he was entrusted.

01:11:47He said,

01:11:48I sent him out of town

01:11:49and the mob cheered.

01:11:50He repeatedly refused to comply

01:11:52with the directions and entreaters

01:11:53of the said magistrates

01:11:54to recall the said squadron from Cajum.

01:11:57He said,

01:11:58I cannot and I will not

01:12:00bring back the 14th.

01:12:02And when it was his duty to resist

01:12:03and put down the rioters

01:12:04weakly yielded to or temporized with them,

01:12:07frequently shaking hands with them,

01:12:08I saw him pass and repass continually.

01:12:11Take off his act.

01:12:12And who's out to the mob

01:12:13who were running after him,

01:12:14taking all of his hands on.

01:12:16He pulled off his act

01:12:17and made his obeisance

01:12:18to the lowest of the low.

01:12:19Search conduct on the part

01:12:21of Lieutenant Colonel Braderton

01:12:22being highly disgraceful

01:12:23to his character as an officer,

01:12:25tending to destroy the confidence

01:12:26of the troops in their officers

01:12:28and to reflect dishonor

01:12:30on his magistrate's service.

01:12:31There is no point

01:12:32in continuing with this.

01:12:33Shh, shh, shh.

01:12:34The next witness.

01:12:42My dear fellow,

01:12:45you finally touched on dinner.

01:12:47I have no appetite.

01:12:48Take it away, please.

01:12:50More wine, Tom.

01:12:52As you wish.

01:12:53Bring another bottle away.

01:12:55By God,

01:12:56I was a fool

01:12:57to ask Earl

01:12:57to undertake my defense.

01:12:59I think you bewildered him

01:13:00with your new instructions.

01:13:01It's perfectly simple.

01:13:03I will plead guilty

01:13:04to some of the charges

01:13:04and accept whatever censure

01:13:06or punishment they give me.

01:13:07But they must end this trial.

01:13:09I cannot sit through

01:13:10another day of it.

01:13:11You know the court

01:13:12cannot agree to that.

01:13:13How many more witnesses

01:13:14are they going to bring?

01:13:16There must have been

01:13:16thousands of people

01:13:17in the square that night

01:13:18and they all saw me

01:13:19wave my cap to the crowd.

01:13:21They all, it seems,

01:13:22heard me say

01:13:22I would not bring back the 14.

01:13:24How many more,

01:13:25for God's sake?

01:13:27Tom,

01:13:28you must try to calm yourself.

01:13:30Take a little more wine.

01:13:35The fact is, Gus,

01:13:36I am guilty.

01:13:38Oh, come, guilty.

01:13:40You were put in a difficult,

01:13:42almost an impossible situation.

01:13:44You may have made

01:13:45some errors of judgment.

01:13:47I believe now that I did.

01:13:51Have you ever had

01:13:52the experience, Gus,

01:13:53of an extraordinary dream

01:13:55in which everything you do

01:13:56seems perfectly normal

01:13:57and when you wake up

01:13:58you realize how bizarre it was?

01:14:02During those 48 hours or so

01:14:04I was completely certain

01:14:05of all I did.

01:14:07I've never been so sure

01:14:08I was right.

01:14:09And in the last two months,

01:14:11although, of course,

01:14:11I thought about it constantly,

01:14:13I never dared look deeply

01:14:14into my mind.

01:14:16Now,

01:14:18well, now I am awake.

01:14:19You acted in good faith.

01:14:22No.

01:14:23That is what I told myself.

01:14:25But I did not.

01:14:27When I addressed the mob, Gus,

01:14:29when they turned towards me,

01:14:30when they seized me

01:14:31by the hand and cheered me

01:14:32and appeared to listen

01:14:33to what I said...

01:14:34You told me yourself

01:14:35you had a great fear

01:14:36of a mob.

01:14:37I felt fear, yes.

01:14:39But exhilaration also.

01:14:42It was like sitting astride

01:14:44a wild, powerful stallion

01:14:46learning to control it.

01:14:48A sense of power, Gus,

01:14:50and a wonder that I,

01:14:52an obscure middle-aged

01:14:53recruiting officer,

01:14:54should be able to control

01:14:55a great mob.

01:14:55I thought I could save the city.

01:14:59I thought I'd been chosen

01:15:00for that purpose.

01:15:02But then I could not do it.

01:15:04I wasn't big enough for it.

01:15:07I made unforgivable errors.

01:15:10Good evening, Colonel.

01:15:11Major Loinsworth.

01:15:12Ah, Professor Heropath.

01:15:14Will you join us

01:15:14in a bottle of wine?

01:15:18I was not able

01:15:21to be in court today.

01:15:23How, how was it?

01:15:24Not a good day.

01:15:27I'm sorry.

01:15:29My daughters will have to live

01:15:30in the shadow of my disgrace.

01:15:32Come, Tom.

01:15:33They are six and three years old.

01:15:35They have their lives to lead.

01:15:37It's been a bad day

01:15:38for Christopher Davis, too.

01:15:40I've just come from

01:15:41visiting him in jail.

01:15:42Are the sentences out yet?

01:15:43Well, have you not heard?

01:15:45Davis and four others

01:15:46are sentenced to death.

01:15:48To death?

01:15:49They're to be hanged

01:15:50in two weeks' time.

01:15:51How was Davis?

01:15:53In a state of abject terror

01:15:54and misery.

01:15:55He's made a rapid return

01:15:56to the religion

01:15:57he's so much despised

01:15:58in his reading tracts

01:16:00and so on.

01:16:01Have you told him

01:16:01the reform bill

01:16:02is almost certain

01:16:03to be brought in now?

01:16:04Yes, but the abstract ideal

01:16:05does not have much meaning

01:16:07when one is facing

01:16:07a violent death.

01:16:09Davis is no hero.

01:16:10And no villain either,

01:16:12I should say.

01:16:12just a foolish man

01:16:14who thought his dream

01:16:15had come true.

01:16:17We probably both lived

01:16:18blameless, mediocre lives

01:16:19until that night.

01:16:21How quickly one

01:16:22destroys oneself.

01:16:23You must try not to despond.

01:16:25After all,

01:16:26the trial isn't over yet.

01:16:28That's true.

01:16:29It is not over.

01:16:32Will you excuse me?

01:16:33I must get home.

01:16:34Tom,

01:16:35will you not come back

01:16:36to our house tonight?

01:16:37My wife would be so pleased...

01:16:38Thank you, no.

01:16:40The little girls, you know.

01:16:42I must see them.

01:16:43Good night, Colonel.

01:16:45Many of us are grateful

01:16:47for your forbearance

01:16:48and good sense

01:16:49in recent events.

01:16:52Thank you very much.

01:16:54Good night, Tom,

01:16:55my dear fellow.

01:16:56Don't sit up late worrying.

01:16:58It does no good, you know.

01:17:00You always give me

01:17:01sound advice, Gus.

01:17:03I'll try to take it.

01:17:05Good night.

01:17:07Thank goodness

01:17:13he has his children

01:17:14to keep him from

01:17:15total despair.

01:17:17I'm afraid

01:17:18it will go badly,

01:17:18isn't it?

01:17:19Yes.

01:17:20I'm afraid reform

01:17:21will have been bought

01:17:22at a high cost.

01:17:31I think so far

01:17:32the corporation

01:17:33has come out of it

01:17:33quite well.

01:17:34I hope so.

01:17:36Your evidence

01:17:36about demanding

01:17:37the return

01:17:37of the 14th

01:17:38was very strong

01:17:39and clear.

01:17:40Oh, thank you.

01:17:42Well, my dear,

01:17:42leave your tinkling,

01:17:43will you?

01:17:44Oh, let's be fair.

01:17:45Brereton has no chance

01:17:46of acquittal,

01:17:47I should say.

01:17:48Oh, not a chance.

01:17:49I suppose we shall

01:17:50be called upon

01:17:51for a cup

01:17:51in Warrington's

01:17:52court-martial

01:17:53next week.

01:17:53It will be cashiered

01:17:54without doubt.

01:17:55But he can't

01:17:56be transported.

01:17:58We don't want

01:17:58that sort of

01:17:59young man

01:17:59in the country.

01:18:00He's cost me

01:18:01a small fortune

01:18:01in property

01:18:02by his inactivity.

01:18:03It's my belief

01:18:04he was on the side

01:18:05of the royalists.

01:18:07I hear he expressed

01:18:08some sympathy

01:18:09with the man

01:18:09who were to be hanged.

01:18:10I have the athlete

01:18:11disgraced

01:18:11whatever the sentence.

01:18:12You seem to take

01:18:13great satisfaction

01:18:14in the ruin

01:18:14of other people's lives

01:18:15so long as your wealth

01:18:17and prestige

01:18:17are protected.

01:18:18How dare you speak

01:18:19like that to your elders?

01:18:20I'm sorry to offend you,

01:18:21Papa,

01:18:21but I find I can no longer

01:18:22respect your judgment

01:18:23and I cannot keep silent

01:18:25while you speak

01:18:26in that way

01:18:26of someone

01:18:27whom I do respect.

01:18:28Leave the room.

01:18:28Gladly.

01:18:33I must apologize

01:18:34for my daughter.

01:18:35She has been

01:18:36too much indulged.

01:18:37I know what

01:18:38young girls are.

01:18:41I see you

01:18:42formed an attachment,

01:18:43do you think?

01:18:43To a young man

01:18:44who was about

01:18:44to be disgraced?

01:18:46I should hope not.

01:18:47Well, marry her off.

01:18:48That's my advice.

01:18:49You'll have no more trouble.

01:18:50She has changed

01:18:51very much recently.

01:18:53Sometimes, Ludlow,

01:18:54I think everything

01:18:55is changing.

01:19:05Oh, John.

01:19:06Oh.

01:19:07Miss Milford.

01:19:08Professor Heropeth.

01:19:10Oh, how wonderful

01:19:11to run into you.

01:19:12Even though literally.

01:19:13But should you be out

01:19:15unaccompanied

01:19:15so late in the evening?

01:19:16I'm going to Miss Bell's.

01:19:17I hope she will take me in.

01:19:19I cannot stay

01:19:19in the same house

01:19:20as my father any longer.

01:19:21That sounds

01:19:22a rather drastic decision.

01:19:23My parents' idea

01:19:24which I accepted

01:19:25all these years

01:19:26now seem to me

01:19:27totally, wickedly wrong.

01:19:29To start thinking

01:19:30for oneself

01:19:30is always a good thing.

01:19:32Leaving home

01:19:33without resources

01:19:34is another.

01:19:35Let me take you

01:19:36to Miss Bell's.

01:19:37We'll discuss it together.

01:19:38Oh, thank you.

01:19:52My dear Gus,

01:19:54when one of you

01:19:56said this evening

01:19:57the trial is not yet over,

01:20:00it gave me hope

01:20:02and resolution.

01:20:03judgment has not yet

01:20:06been given.

01:20:08I am not yet disgraced.

01:20:13No.

01:20:14No explanations.

01:20:16It will be construed

01:20:17as an admission of guilt.

01:20:20Mrs. Brickforth.

01:20:22Some wood for this fire.

01:20:26Mrs. Brickforth.

01:20:27All gone to bed,

01:20:32I suppose.

01:20:34Well.

01:20:37Now then.

01:20:42My

01:20:42dear daughters,

01:20:45I did not come

01:20:48and

01:20:49kiss you goodnight

01:20:51as usual

01:20:51this evening

01:20:53much as I long

01:20:56to see you.

01:20:59I was afraid

01:21:00the sight of you

01:21:01would

01:21:01weaken my resolve.

01:21:07Why should I burden

01:21:08children with my emotions?

01:21:13Into the fire

01:21:14then with the lot.

01:21:23That's the best way.

01:21:41Major Loinsworth,

01:21:42would you please

01:21:43describe to the court

01:21:44what you found

01:21:45when you reached

01:21:45Colonel Brereton's house?

01:21:48Colonel Brereton

01:21:49was lying in his bed.

01:21:51He had taken off

01:21:52his shoes,

01:21:53jacket and waistcoat.

01:21:56He had his revolver

01:21:57in his left hand.

01:22:00He had shot himself

01:22:01in the heart

01:22:02and must have died

01:22:03instantly.

01:22:06Oh, it was good

01:22:07of you to come

01:22:07and see me, sir,

01:22:08so soon after

01:22:09this tragedy.

01:22:12I'm afraid

01:22:12you've lost a friend.

01:22:14A good friend,

01:22:15yes.

01:22:18But now

01:22:18we must think

01:22:19of the living.

01:22:20You've lost

01:22:21your chief witness.

01:22:22Yes,

01:22:23I had counted

01:22:23on his testimony.

01:22:25But at all events,

01:22:26I shall not say

01:22:26anything in my evidence

01:22:27which would prejudice

01:22:28Colonel Brereton's

01:22:29good name.

01:22:30You men of honour.

01:22:32You're quite right,

01:22:33of course.

01:22:35But I believe

01:22:36that you must now face

01:22:37the very worst

01:22:38that can happen.

01:22:39The authorities

01:22:40are determined

01:22:40to have a scapegoat.

01:22:41You may be cashiered.

01:22:43Yes,

01:22:43I've thought of it,

01:22:44of course.

01:22:45If that happens,

01:22:46I shall never be able

01:22:47to face my family.

01:22:48I cannot speak

01:22:49for your family.

01:22:50But remember,

01:22:51you are still very young

01:22:53with your life before you

01:22:54and you have many

01:22:55loyal friends.

01:22:56Here,

01:22:57the courtroom is likely

01:22:57to be packed with them,

01:22:59so take courage.

01:23:00Yes,

01:23:00I will try to.

01:23:02And if it does go badly

01:23:03for me,

01:23:04Colonel Brereton

01:23:05has shown me

01:23:05the right course

01:23:06for an officer

01:23:06and a gentleman.

01:23:07His circumstances

01:23:09were rather different

01:23:10from yours.

01:23:12Which reminds me,

01:23:13I have a letter for you

01:23:14from Miss Milford.

01:23:16Emma Milford?

01:23:21I thought I should

01:23:21never hear from her again.

01:23:23I think you should read it.

01:23:25Now.

01:23:26Yes.

01:23:29Dear Captain Morrington,

01:23:31I hope this letter

01:23:32will reach you.

01:23:34I am much watched

01:23:35at home at present

01:23:36and shall have to rely

01:23:37on a younger sister

01:23:38to dispatch it.

01:23:40I would like you to know

01:23:41how much I admire you

01:23:42for not obeying

01:23:43the magistrate's instructions

01:23:44to fire on the mob

01:23:45and how distressed

01:23:47I am to hear

01:23:47of the result of it.

01:23:49Since the riots,

01:23:50I have realised

01:23:51I am much in disagreement

01:23:52with my father

01:23:53over many important things.

01:23:55I wanted to leave home,

01:23:56but Miss Bell,

01:23:58you remember

01:23:58my telling you about her,

01:24:00has persuaded me

01:24:01to stay here

01:24:02until I come of age

01:24:03in two years' time.

01:24:05Then I cannot be prevented

01:24:06from going to live

01:24:07in her household

01:24:08and helping her

01:24:09and some other ladies

01:24:10in a school they are starting

01:24:12for ragged children,

01:24:13a venture I look forward to

01:24:15with my whole heart.

01:24:18Alas,

01:24:19I shall not be allowed

01:24:20to be present

01:24:21at your trial,

01:24:22but I shall be thinking

01:24:23of you constantly.

01:24:26I implore you

01:24:27to have courage

01:24:28and to remember

01:24:30that whatever the verdict,

01:24:32I shall always,

01:24:33so long as you wish it,

01:24:35be your true friend,

01:24:38Emma Milford.

01:24:43She is a very remarkable girl.

01:24:46Miss Milford

01:24:46is a friend worth having.

01:24:48Yes.

01:24:48She has pioneering blood

01:24:50in her veins, you know.

01:24:51I fancy she's not a girl

01:24:52who would easily give up

01:24:53what she had set out to do.

01:24:56And you must not give up

01:24:57either, Captain Wynton.

01:24:59Sometimes takes more courage

01:25:00to live than to die, you know.

01:25:04Will you give me your word

01:25:05that whatever the outcome

01:25:06next week,

01:25:07you will not follow

01:25:08Colonel Brereton's

01:25:09example afterwards?

01:25:11You read my mood correctly.

01:25:14Very well,

01:25:15Major Loinsworth.

01:25:16You have my word.

01:25:19We have had enough

01:25:20tragedy today.

01:25:22There is something

01:25:23I would like to ask you

01:25:24before you leave.

01:25:25Yes?

01:25:25Did he...

01:25:26Did Colonel Brereton

01:25:29leave a note?

01:25:30No.

01:25:32The fireplace in his room

01:25:33was full of charred remains

01:25:35of paper on which

01:25:36he'd been writing.

01:25:38He obviously decided

01:25:39against leaving any message.

01:25:42So,

01:25:43we shall never know

01:25:45why he took his life.

01:25:46No, no, no.

01:25:47I can understand

01:25:48why he took his life.

01:25:49I mean,

01:25:50we'll never know

01:25:51just what was in his mind

01:25:53during the riots.

01:25:54It's why he gave

01:25:55those orders

01:25:56to me and others

01:25:57and acted as he did.

01:25:59We shall never know

01:26:00the whole truth

01:26:01if there is such a thing.

01:26:04Doubtless,

01:26:04he will be harshly judged.

01:26:08I knew Tom Brereton

01:26:10for 20 years

01:26:11and I can only say

01:26:13he was

01:26:13a most kind,

01:26:16benevolent

01:26:16and humane

01:26:17man.

01:26:19He had,

01:26:21if anything,

01:26:22too much

01:26:24of a sense of honour.

01:26:33A Man of Too Much Honour

01:26:34was written by

01:26:35Elizabeth Holford.

01:26:36The cast

01:26:38Colonel Brederton

01:26:39Alan Moore

01:26:40Milford

01:26:41Howard Gourney

01:26:42Loinsworth

01:26:44Andrew Seacom

01:26:45Warrington

01:26:46Stephen Garlick

01:26:47Emma

01:26:48Patience Tomlinson

01:26:50Mrs. Milford

01:26:52Ursula Hanrae

01:26:53Ludlow

01:26:54Roger Snowden

01:26:55Pinney

01:26:57Rex Holdsworth

01:26:58Herapath

01:26:59Christian Rodska

01:27:01Davis

01:27:02Mark Buffery

01:27:03Prosecutor

01:27:05Hedley Goodall

01:27:06and Sir Charles Wetherill

01:27:08Esmond Rideout

01:27:09The programme

01:27:10was directed

01:27:11in Bristol

01:27:12by Brian Miller

01:27:13The programme

01:27:35is filled with

01:27:49eating

01:27:49as

01:27:50he

01:27:52said

01:27:53he

01:27:54said

01:27:55I can't

01:27:56really

01:27:57see you

01:27:57how

01:27:57he

01:27:58asked

01:27:58talk

01:27:59later

01:27:59he

01:28:00she

01:28:01could

01:28:01eat

01:28:01them

01:28:01What

01:28:02is it

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