Havant Swing Rioters Walk
Hampshire Farm Meadows, Westbourne, Hampshire, PO10 7GE
In November 1830 the Agricultural Workers of West Sussex were starving. There are complex political reasons for this but they decided that they would cross the border into Hampshire and attack the threshing machines, much underused, but which were seen as a symbol of the underlying poverty associated with changes to farming practice which they blamed for their present plight. This walk seeks to try to follow the route of the marches that started in a beer house in Westbourne and end with a number of men being imprisoned and eight younger men being transported, effectively for life, to the far end of the world.
This walk around Westbourne, retracing the steps of the 1830 agricultural protesters will examine what brought them here and what became of them. (The walk might be extended to include Lumley Mill, depending upon weather conditions on the day)
Timings
- Wednesday 16 September:
- 10.30
Location & directions
Hampshire Farm Meadows, Westbourne, Hampshire, PO10 7GE
- Directions:
- Park in Meadows car park or take 27 bus from Havant Bus Station to Southleigh Roundabout, New Brighton and walk (10 mins) to Hampshire Farm Meadows. Meet in Meadows car park
- Contact on day:
- Penny Munday
- Telephone number:
- +447808950866
Booking information
- Pre-booking requirement:
- Pre-booking required
- Booking conditions:
- Please Book via the Booking Office at The Spring Arts and Heritage Centre, East Street, Havant PO9 1BS in person, via email or phone
- Booking contact name:
- Booking Office
- Booking telephone number:
- +442392472700
- Booking email:
- [email protected]
- Booking website:
- https://www.thespring.co.uk
- Booking opens:
- 01 Sep 2026 12:00 AM
- Booking closes:
- 18 Sep 2026 12:00 AM
Accessibility details
This walk will mostly take place on footpaths and pavements but care must be taken on crossing roads and some points might be a little muddy depending on recent weather. Stout shoes are recommended. Optional additional walk to Lumley not recommended for wheelchairs
Additional information
- Max number of people:
- 15
- Estimated duration:
- 2 hour(s)
