Historian Bob Clarke to tell BWC about his book The Basingstoke Riots (From Basingstoke Gazette)

Historian Bob Clarke to tell BWC about his book The Basingstoke Riots

3:06pm Tuesday 12th February 2013 in Leisure

BASINGSTOKE Writers’ Circle are pleased to welcome local historian and author, Bob Clarke, to their next open meeting.

Bob will speak about his fascinating book The Basingstoke Riots – Massagainians v The Salvation Army 1880-1883.

Come along to learn just how the Salvation Army came out in force to march through the town and preach about the evil of alcohol, and their rivals – the  townspeople, who were angered by the threat of the Army, to close all public houses. The town boasted over 50 pubs and four breweries for a population less than 7,000.

Bob said: “The riot act was read twice and made headline articles in the Gazette and the national press that led to parliamentary questions. Ten Massagainians were sent to Winchester gaol for 14 days. When their sentence was over they were escorted like royalty and given a hero’s welcome.”

Signed copies of the book will be available to purchase.

Arrive early at London Street United Reformed Church on Tuesday February 26 to secure a good seat. The talk starts at 8pm.

Entry on the door costs £2.50 and refreshments are free.

For further information on this event, or on membership of BWC, contact Joan Sullivan on 01256 326453 or log on to basingstokewriters.webs.com.