These riots began in 1839 and lasted until 1844, and took place in South Wales. The name comes from the biblical passage about Rebekah's descendants "possessing the gates of those which hate them" (Genesis 24: 60), and related to the gates on the new turnpike roads: the protesters, dressed in women's clothing, wanted to remove them!But why stop at gates? The protesters also revolted against the New Poor Law workhouses (which were apparently pretty revolting themselves, anyway) and any Church of England clergymen who demanded the payment of tithing.
Why did they dress in women's clothing?
ReplyDeleteI have absolutely no idea. Thanks for stopping by, though! :o)
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