‘They were heroes’ - The historic tale of 11 Yorkshire men who were wrongfully jailed for rioting

The story of the 11 men who were wrongfully jailed for what has become known as the Knaresborough Castle Riot was uncovered in the most unexpected of places.

It all began when Howard Johnson, a descendant of one of the rioters, made an intriguing discovery in his father’s loft.

“I found a silver tankard in my dad’s loft,” he said. “The transcription told me that it belonged to my great-grandfather. It turned out that he had been sent to prison for alleged rioting.”

He uncovered the tale of how 11 local men were taken to trial in 1866 by London-based magistrate Dr John Simpson after they asserted their right of access to Knaresborough Castle Yard.

They were convicted of rioting and sentenced to three months in Wakefield Gaol.

However, enough money was raised by the town to cover the group’s legal costs, and this June marks 160 years since their release.

The drinking vessel, which is addressed to ‘Thomas Johnson’, is one of a handful gifted to the men by way of an apology for their imprisonment.

Mr Johnson said: “I went on Antiques Roadshow, which helped me find other descendants and other tankards." He has managed to locate five others so far.

As well as silverware, the men received a dizzying taste of fame and glory.

“They were the heroes of the moment,” Mr Johnson said. “When they were let out, the streets were lined for five miles with people waving flags and playing music.

“They were taken to the Town Hall, given dinner, and hailed as British bulldogs.”

The story is being re-told for at Knaresborough Castle this year, for the second year running. Four 60-minute performances will take place across Sunday (Jun 28) within the castle grounds.

The play, presented by Yorkshire CREATE and written by Clare Lucy and John Westmancoat, was devised through community workshops and draws on research carried out by Mr Johnson.

The tankard - a “priceless family heirloom” - is set to make a special appearance at Sunday’s performance, Mr Johnson said.

“I want to give everybody involved the chance to see one of the only surviving items left from that time.”

It is a “delight” for Mr Johnson, who has been researching the history of the Knaresborough Castle Riot for over a decade, to see his great-grandfather’s story honoured by Yorkshire CREATE.

“I’ve felt the weight of each man’s story on my shoulders for a long time,” he said.

“To be able to have this tale told and demonstrate to people that these were good men; it’s really special.”

A decade ago, he campaigned for a blue plaque in Castle Yard honouring the group.

He credits the sign with encouraging further research, including the publication of a book by Jackie Glew titled The Extraordinary Tale of the Castle Yard Riots.

“This little tale that began in a loft has gone in so many different directions. It’s got a life of its own,” Mr Johnson said.

“We’ve absolutely got to keep it alive. We might even make a film one day.”

The Knaresborough Eleven will run at 11am, 1pm, 3pm and 5pm on Jun 28 in Knaresborough Castle Yard.

Tickets can be found here.