Historical Events tagged with "cambridgeshire"

Turns out history loves a label—battles, breakthroughs, and the occasional disaster, all neatly tagged for your browsing pleasure. Because sometimes you just need every weird invention in one place.

Social Movements & Civil Rights

Littleport and Ely Riots over Unemployment

May 22nd, 1816 208 years ago

In Littleport, Cambridgeshire, a significant riot erupted as local residents, driven by high unemployment and rising grain prices, took to the streets in protest. Tensions escalated quickly, with demonstrators expressing their frustrations through acts of violence and unrest. The following day, the unrest spread to Ely, drawing in more participants and amplifying the situation. The riots were fueled by widespread discontent regarding economic hardship, particularly the soaring costs of basic foodstuffs amidst widespread poverty.

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Accidents & Tragedies

Deadly Barn Fire at Puppet Show in Burwell

September 8th, 1727 297 years ago

A tragic barn fire consumed a gathering during a puppet show in Burwell, Cambridgeshire, leading to the death of 78 individuals. Many victims were children, who had come to enjoy the entertainment. The incident occurred in a wooden barn, which was filled to capacity with families watching the performance. A spark, likely from a candle or lantern, ignited the highly flammable materials in the barn, resulting in a rapid spread of the flames. Escape was hindered by the crowd and the structure of the barn, leading to a devastating loss of life.

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