WilliamEllisKS3 - Staffordshire County Council

Court In Action 

at 

The Shire Hall Gallery 

Key Stage 3 History and Citizenship 

A lesson plan and mock trial based on 

the Chartist William Ellis 

Was he guilty or innocent? You decide! 

Staffordshire Arts and Museum Service 

In partnership with QLS

Court In Action * Court In Action * Court In Action *Court In Action * Court In Action * Court in Action 

Introduction 

In 1842, local Chartist leader William Ellis was one of several men tried at the Shire Hall 

for ‘feloniously demolishing a house’. Ellis had been amongst almost 4,000 men 

protesting for the rights of ordinary people, but was he really involved in the rioting? This 

seven lesson pack encourages pupils to take on the roles of judge, jury, barristers and 

witnesses and come to a decision about William’s fate! 

Designed specifically for KS3 pupils, the resources in this pack include lesson plans, 

worksheets and activities which offer a cross curricular approach to teaching Victorian or 

local history, enabling pupils to fully embrace the National Primary Strategy: 

• Opportunities for literacy (writing, and reading, speaking and listening) 

• Increased capacity to deliver history using a broad and rich curriculum 

• Engages school in a creative and innovative learning programme 

During the course of ‘Court in Action’, pupils will: 

• Develop their knowledge of past societies’ struggle for right 

• Gain understanding of individual rights and responsibilities 

• Use skills of empathy, discussion, observation and analysis 

• Bring Victorian history to life using drama 

Although this pack contains everything you may need to recreate the trial of William 

Ellis, it is highly recommended that pupils visit Court 1 at the Shire Hall Gallery and 

participate in a re-enactment of the trial, seeing and experiencing the same things as the 

real William Ellis and Judge Tindal. The unique experience of entering and working in 

this authentic and atmospheric environment would certainly provide ‘awe and wonder‘ to 

the teaching and learning of this history unit. 

To arrange a visit to the Shire Hall Gallery please contact Jackie Bradbury, Education & 

Outreach Co-ordinator on 01785 278170 or e-mail 

jackie.bradbury@staffordshire.gov.uk 

Court in Action is the result of a partnership between Staffordshire QLS School Improvement 

Division, The New Victoria Theatre (Newcastle Under Lyme) Staffordshire Arts & Museum 

Service and King Edward VI School. 

1


Contents 

Lesson 1 – Who were the Chartists? 3-4 

Teacher’s Resource Sheet: Who were the Chartists? 5-6 

Teacher’s Resource Sheet: Chartism in Staffordshire 7 

The Chartist’s Demands (two worksheets) 8-9 

Lesson 2 – What caused the Hanley riots? 10 

Riots and devastation in Hanley! 11 

Primary Source: An account by Thomas Cooper, 1842 12 

Staffordshire and Chartism in 1842 (1 worksheet) 13 

The reasons for the riots (2 worksheets) 14-15 

Confidential report (1 worksheet) 16 

Lesson 3 – Who was William Ellis? 17-18 

Who was William Ellis? 19 

Primary sources 20-23 

What we know about William Ellis (1 worksheet) 24 

Lesson 4 – The events leading to William Ellis’ arrest 25-26 

The story of William Ellis (1 worksheet) 27 

Lesson 5&6 – How did the court system work? 28-29 

Primary sources: The Special Commission 30-31 

Teacher’s Resource Sheet: Victorian Costume 32 

Teacher’s Resource Sheet: The Courtroom 33 

The Courtroom (1 worksheet) 34 

List of Participants 35 

Character Information Sheets (scripted characters) 36-41 

Character information sheets (unscripted characters) 42-51 

Script: The Trial of William Ellis 52-71 

Lesson 7 – What happened to William Ellis? 72-73 

Teacher’s Resource Sheet: What happened to William Ellis? 74 

Assessment Sheets 75-76 

Court 1 information and booking form 77-78 

How to find us 79 

Contact us! 80 

2…


Lesson 1 – Who were the Chartists? 

Teaching objectives 

• Understand what is meant by 

the term Chartist 

• To introduce the story of the 

Chartist disturbances of 1842 

• To show why getting the vote 

was so important 

• To explain what motivated men 

like William Ellis 

Evidence 

• All will have matched words with 

definitions 

• Most will have completed worksheets 

on Chartist demands 

Resources 

• Matching exercise 

• Worksheets 

Keywords 

• Reform 

• Chartism 

Introduction 

• Matching exercise in pairs 

• Give correct answers 

Development Activities 

• Brief explanation of who could vote in the 1840s and what the Chartists 

wanted. 

• Read through the Chartist demands on the worksheet and explain what they 

mean. 

• Fill in ‘The Chartist’s Demands’ worksheets. Why did the Chartists want these 

changes? (Note: you have the option of completing the ‘Do we have these 

things today’ section as part of Lesson 7.) 

• Class discussion: Why did Chartists want change? 

Additional Support 

• Who were the Chartists? 

• Chartism in Staffordshire 

• The Chartist’s Demands – 

differentiated worksheets 

Extension Activities 

• Which demands do pupils think were 

most important and why? 

3


Lesson 1 – Who were the Chartists? (cont.) 

Plenary 

• Put all sheets away. In pairs draw up the Charter on a piece of paper. Who 

can remember all 6 points of the Charter? 

Homework 

• Create an advert for a newspaper 

- To get people to join the Chartist movement 

- Against the Chartist Movement 

4…


Who were the Chartists? 

The Chartists were ordinary people who wanted to be treated fairly be the Government. 

In 1832 an Act was passed in Parliament giving men who owned property or paid large 

amounts of rent the right to vote and have their say in the running of the country. Many 

people thought that it was unfair that only the rich were given the right to vote and began 

to campaign to be treated equally. Working people wanted the Government to listen to 

them and solve their problems too. 

Many groups were set up to try and achieve this, but it was not until 1838 when six 

members of Parliament and six working men created the People’s Charter that Chartism 

was born. The Charter said that: 

1. There should be votes for all men 

2. Electoral districts (the area that an MP could control) should all be the same size 

3. Members of Parliament should not have to own property 

4. MP’s should be paid for their work 

5. General elections should be held every year 

6. There should be a secret ballot so no-one knew who anyone else had voted for. 

The Chartists believed that once working men could vote and stand in Parliament then 

they would be treated with fairness and justice. 

In 1839, a petition signed by a quarter of a million people encouraging the Government 

to adopt the People’s Charter was presented to the House of Commons, where it was 

rejected by a vote of 235 to 46. Many MPs were scared by the unrest Chartist ideas had 

caused. They did not think that the working class needed the vote and were worried that 

there would be a revolt similar to the French Revolution. 

After the vote, many of the leaders of the Chartist movement threatened to call a 

general strike and were arrested. When demonstrators marched on the prison at 

Newport, Monmouthshire (where they were being held) and demanded their release, 

troops opened fire, killing 24 and wounding 40 more. 

A second petition with over three million signatures was submitted in 1842 and was 

again rejected by Parliament. Here’s what the ‘Northern Star’ (a Chartist newspaper), 

said about it: 

"Three and half millions have quietly, orderly, soberly, peaceably but firmly asked of 

their rulers to do justice; and their rulers have turned a deaf ear to that protest. Three 

and a half millions of people have asked permission to detail their wrongs, and enforce 

their claims for RIGHT, and the 'House' has resolved they should not be heard! Three 

5


and a half millions of the slave-class have holden out the olive branch of peace to the 

enfranchised and privileged classes and sought for a firm and compact union, on the 

principle of EQUALITY BEFORE THE LAW; and the enfranchised and privileged have 

refused to enter into a treaty! The same class is to be a slave class still. The mark and 

brand of inferiority is not to be removed. The assumption of inferiority is still to be 

maintained. The people are not to be free." 

For many, this was the last straw. A depression had left them poor and hungry and now 

without Parliament to fight for them, they became desperate. When the Chartists 

decreed that “all labour should cease until the People's Charter became the law of the 

land”, people stopped work across the Midlands, Lancashire, Yorkshire, and parts of 

Scotland and the Government sent out troops to deal with the strikers. 

Some of these strikers gathered in Hanley on Monday 15 th August, 1842. One of these 

men was William Ellis, a local Chartist leader. This is his story. Who was he? Why did 

he go to Hanley? What did he do there and what happened to him in the end? 

6…


Chartism in Staffordshire 

When the People’s Charter was first drawn up in 1838, Hanley was one of many places 

to hold a meeting in support of Chartist beliefs. People spoke in favour of giving working 

men the vote and marched through the town. One man named John Richards was 

nominated to go to the National Convention of Chartists in February 1839. 

At the convention, the People’s Charter was discussed before it was presented to the 

Government in May. When Parliament rejected their petition, the Chartists had to think 

of a new way to get the Government to listen to them. John Richards suggested that 

people might be willing to use force. 

Towards the end of July or beginning of August 1839, the authorities began to suspect 

that the Chartists were planning a rising. They knew that regular Chartist meetings were 

being held, but never in the same place twice and all communication was verbal. Arms 

and gunpowder were reported to have been sold. John Richards and the Potteries 

branch of the Chartist movement were using the motto “Peacefully if we can, forcibly if 

we must”. Lord Talbot, the Lord Lieutenant of Staffordshire felt threatened by the 

Chartist activities in his area and sought advice and back up from the Home Office. 

However, nothing was to happen until 1842 when a second rejection of the charter 

coincided with a depression which had caused widespread pay cuts and unrest. There 

were many strikes, but no-one is sure whether these were organised by the Chartists. 

The Staffordshire Chartists certainly took advantage of the troubles. A Chartist named 

Thomas Cooper visited the area and spoke in Hanley on 15 th August 1842, encouraging 

local miners to strike until the People’s Charter became law. Although he said that 

violence should not be used, there was trouble at Longton and the local militia were 

called. Later that evening houses in Hanley were set on fire. 

A report in the Staffordshire Advertiser said that a Chartist meeting agreed a total 

cessation from labour for one month. A mob then caused work at a colliery to stop 

before attacking the house of a rate collector, the Court of Request and the police 

station, where they released some prisoners. All local shops closed and a company of 

the 12 th Infantry was called and took possession of the Court House, bringing the rioters 

to a standstill. Eventually, more soldiers cleared the mob and made arrests. 

Although the Chartists protested that they were not involved in the riots and thought that 

violence might damage the Chartist cause, they were blamed for the trouble and 

Chartism lost support in the Potteries area. Many local Chartists leaders were arrested. 

John Richards said that he thought former Chartists were helping to identify them. 

Approximately 222 people were eventually tried for offences connected with the 

Potteries riots. Of these, 49 were transported and 16 were imprisoned. This was the 

largest number arrested and tried for crimes connected with Chartist unrest. 

7


The Chartist’s Demands 

The six demands Why was this important? What do we have today? 

Every man over 21 

should have the right to 

vote. 

Every British citizen over the 

age of 18 (except prisoners 

and members of the House of 

Lords) have the right to vote. 

A secret ballot should 

be introduced. 

Since 1872, all ballots in the 

UK have been secret. 

An MP should not have 

to own property of a 

certain value to stand in 

Parliament. 

All MP’s should be paid 

to allow working men to 

serve in Parliament - not 

just rich landowners. 

All constituencies (the 

area an MP controls) 

should have the same 

number of people in 

them. 

Elections to Parliament 

should be every year so 

that MP’s would have to 

answer to their voters if 

they had not performed 

well. 

Any British citizen over the 

age of 21 can become an 

MP, as long as they are not a 

peer, a bankrupt, a civil 

servant, judge, soldier, 

policeman or prisoner. 

Modern MP’s are paid 

£59,000 a year to stand in 

Parliament. They are also 

given extra money if they 

have special duties to carry 

out. (The Prime minister 

earns £184,000 a year.) 

Every 8 to 12 years, the 

boundaries of UK 

constituencies are reviewed 

to make sure that they are as 

similar as possible. Each 

constituency contains an 

average of 70,000 people. 

General elections are held at 

least once every 5 years in 

the UK to elect an MP for 

every constituency. (Byelections 

can be held 

inbetween to elect individual 

MPs if they are needed.) 

8…


The Chartist’s Demands 

The six demands Why was this important? What do we have today? 

Every man over 21 

should have the right to 

vote. 

A secret ballot should 

be introduced. 

An MP should not have 

to own property of a 

certain value to stand in 

Parliament. 

All MP’s should be paid 

to allow working men to 

serve in Parliament - not 

just rich landowners. 

All constituencies (the 

area an MP controls) 

should have the same 

number of people in 

them. 

Elections to Parliament 

should be every year so 

that MP’s would have to 

answer to their voters if 

they had not performed 

well. 

9


Lesson 2 – What caused the Hanley riots? 


• To recap aims of the charter 

• To question whether the riots of 

August 1842 were Chartist or 

whether there were other causes. 

• Extended writing task 

Resources 

• Staffordshire & Chartism in 1842 

• Writing frames 

Evidence 

• Answers to questions 

• Completed report into the riots. 

Keywords 

• Riots 

• Economic 

• Strikes 

Introduction 

• Recap the story of the Chartist movement and the aims of the People’s Charter 


• Read the ‘Staffordshire & Chartism’ sheet through together as a class. 

• In pairs or fours pupils choose the most important causes of the riots (Chartism 

and other). 

• Pupils feedback their list of reasons to the class 

• Pupils number the reasons listed in order of importance. (Use the sheet 

provided or the list generated by the class.) 

• Pupils work individually and use their findings to prepare a report into the riots 

Additional support 

• Account by Thomas Cooper, 

1842 

• Differentiated worksheets – the 

reasons for the riots 


• Research Chartism in the area and 

economic difficulties. 

Plenary 

• Pupils to read out what they have written in their conclusions and 

recommendations. 

• Peer assessment/review of what has been written. 

Homework 

• Write up for homework 

10…


Riots and Devastation in Hanley! 

On Monday 15th August 1842, between three and four thousand people gathered 

together in Hanley with the intention of staging a peaceful protest against the 

Government’s decision to reject the People’s Charter. Many were also protesting about 

wage reductions and rising food prices which had left them poor and hungry. People 

were also on strike across the country as they felt it was the only action they could take 

to make the Government listen to them. 

The crowd grew larger and larger throughout the day as Chartist leaders made 

speeches to gain their support, but as evening fell, things got out of control. Some of the 

men became drunk and rowdy and as news reached them of rioting in neighbouring 

towns, they decided to ignore the calls of ‘peace, law and order’ and take things in to 

their own hands. 

The protestors attacked the houses and offices of influential people, stealing their 

money and furniture. They devastated the small town of Fenton and broke into the 

police station to release prisoners. They also stormed into the Reverend Aitkin’s house 

and destroyed it - burning it to the ground along with the homes of other town leaders, 

magistrates and politicians. 

The next day, the mob gathered in Burslem to continue their attacks. The town leaders 

and other people with positions of authority became very scared and called in local 

soldiers to stop the rioting. The soldiers read the Riot Act (which said that it was a 

serious crime for members of a crowd of twelve or more people to refuse to go away 

within an hour of being ordered to do so by a magistrate) and then fired into the crowd. 

One man was killed outright as a bullet ripped through his heart. Many others were 

wounded and violent fights broke out. Two hundred and seventy seven people were 

arrested and the rest of the mob quickly fled the area. This was one of the worst cases 

of violence linked to the Chartists in England in the whole of the 1840s. 

One of the Chartist leaders involved in the Hanley Riots was a local man named William 

Ellis. He was a popular man but well known to the police as a troublemaker. After the 

riots Ellis ran off to Glasgow to escape the police but was soon arrested. 

11


An Account by Thomas Cooper, 1842 

Thomas Cooper, a journalist from Leicester, wrote this account of the Hanley riots. 

The day wore on, wearily, and very anxiously, till about five in the afternoon, when 

parties of men began to pass along the streets… By six o'clock, thousands crowded 

into the large open space about the Crown Inn, and instead of lecturing at eight 

o'clock in the room, the committee thought I had better go out at once, and lecture on 

the Crown Bank. Before I began, some of the men who were drunk, and who, it 

seems, had been in the riot at Longton, came round me and wanted to shake hands 

with me. But I shook them off, and told them I was ashamed to see them. I began by 

telling the crowd - for its numbers were soon countless - that I had heard there had 

been destruction of property that day, and I warned all who had participated in that 

act, that they were not the friends, but the enemies of freedom - that ruin to 

themselves and others must attend this strike for the Charter, if they who pretended 

to be its advocates broke the law. 'I proclaim Peace, Law, and Order!' I cried at the 

highest pitch of my voice. 'You all hear me; and I warn you of the folly and wrong 

you are committing, if you do not preserve Peace, Law, and Order!' At dusk, I closed 

the meeting; but I saw the people did not disperse; and two pistols were fired off in 

the crowd. No policeman had I seen the whole day! And what had become of the 

soldiers I could not learn… I began to apprehend that mischief had begun which it 

would not be easy to quell. 

My friends purposely conducted me through dark streets and led me out of Hanley in 

such a way that I saw neither spark, smoke, or flame. Yet the rioters were burning 

the houses of the Rev. Mr Aitkin and Mr Parker, local magistrates, and the house of 

Mr Forrester, agent of Lord Granville during that night. . . . 

Next morning thousands were again in the streets of Hanley and began to pour into 

the other Pottery towns from the surrounding districts. A troop of cavalry, under 

Major Beresford, entered the district and the daring colliers strove to unhorse the 

soldiers. Their commander reluctantly gave the order to fire; one man was killed at 

Burslem. The mob dispersed; but quiet was not restored until the day after this had 

been done, and scores apprehended and taken to prison. 

12…


Staffordshire and Chartism in 1842 

Name 

Date 

Toward the end of July 1842, the authorities (police, magistrates and gentry) became 

concerned that there might be riots and violence across Staffordshire because 

Parliament had rejected the Chartist’s demands (the People’s Charter). 

At the same time, an economic depression had made many people poor and hungry. 

They were earning less money for the work they were doing and food was becoming 

more expensive. 

In the middle of August, thousands of people gathered in the streets of Stoke on Trent 

and the nearby towns. The Chartists had called for “all labour to cease until the People's 

Charter becomes the law of the land” and made speeches asking their supporters to 

make peaceful protests. However, a lot of these people were miners who had gone on 

strike because they wanted more money. Not all of the protestors believed in Chartism. 

As the day wore on, more and more people gathered and speeches were made that 

whipped the crowd into a frenzy. When word spread that there had been rioting in other 

towns, some people began to attack the houses and offices of people in authority, 

stealing their possessions and setting their buildings on fire. 

Eventually, soldiers were called and fired at the crowd. Violent fights broke out. Many 

people were arrested but many more fled. 

A lot of people blamed the Chartists for the 1842 riots, but the Chartists protested that 

they were taking the blame for something they had not done. 

What do you think? Make a list of reasons for the Hanley riots. 

1. 

2. 

3. 

4. 

5. 

6. 

7. 

8. 

9. 

10. 

13


The reasons for the riots 

Name 

Date 

Read the reasons for the 1842 riots below. Which reasons do you think are the most 

important and which are least important? Number the reasons from 1 to10. (Reason 1 is 

the most important reason) 

Chartist Activity 

Lots of Chartist meetings were held and there were reports of 

guns and gunpowder being bought by Chartists. 

The Chartists pretended to be part of the Temperance (antialcohol) 

movement so that they could have secret meetings. 

Some Chartists thought that they should use violence to get the 

Charter passed (these were called militants). 

Some Chartists had mottos like “justice, kindness and brotherly 

love.” 

Important Chartist leaders like Thomas Cooper came to the 

area and encouraged lots of people to become Chartists. 

Economic problems in Staffordshire 

In the 1820s and 1830s, there had been riots in Stoke-on-Trent 

as people protested against low wages. 

Prices were going up but jobs were getting scarce. Many 

people were hungry and did not have enough money. 

Staffordshire mine owners cut their workers wages. The miners 

were angry and went on strike. Others damaged machinery, 

which forced mines to shut. 

Local newspapers carried articles telling people to go on strike. 

Hanley shut down because other people went on strike to 

support the miners. All the local shops closed. 

14…


The reasons for the riots 

Name 

Date 

Compare these two modern accounts of the Hanley riots. 

Source A – ‘Protest and Punishment’ by George Rude 

The Staffordshire potteries saw the worst of the 1842 general strike - 

and the harshest crackdown. During the strike - which had been 

sparked by wage cuts - workers stopped the pumps that kept coal 

mines clear of water and closed down every factory that they could. 

But the strike leaders failed to keep control, and in the riots that 

followed police stations were raided for arms, prisoners were 

released, poor-rate books seized and destroyed, and the houses and 

offices of magistrates, coal mine owners, rate-collectors and parsons 

set on fire or pulled down. 

Source B - ‘Public Order in the Age of the Chartists’ by F.C. Mather 

On 15 th August 1842 the miners of North Staffordshire coalfield, 

whipped up to frenzy by the speeches of the Chartist speaker 

Thomas Cooper, raided the police stations… and burned to the 

ground the vicars house at Hanley. 

What does Source A say is the reason for the riots in Staffordshire? 

What does Source B say is the cause? 

How are the two sources different? 

What do you think was the most important reason for the 1842 riots? 

15


Confidential Report 

Name 

Date 

You are a wealthy factory owner living in Hanley. Write a letter to the Home Secretary. 

To: The Home Secretary Sir James Graham 2 nd Baronet 

Date: 17 th August, 1842 

My most esteemed Sir, 

Please find below a report of my experiences in the Potteries during recent days. Rioting has 

been very serious here. For example, I have seen… (Use this space to describe what you might 

have seen and how you felt about it.) 

There appears to be two main reasons for the riots, the first being Chartist activities in the 

area. The Chartists have… (Give two examples of Chartist activity in Staffordshire) 

The second is the economic problems in the area, for example… (Give two examples) 

In my opinion, the most important reason for the riots in the Potteries is… 

I recommend that you… (The Home Secretary could send more soldiers, leave the area alone or try 

something else. What might work?) 

Please do not hesitate to write to me for more information. 

16…


Lesson 3 – Who was William Ellis? 


• To introduce William Ellis 

Evidence 

• All will have made notes about Ellis’ 

character on the worksheet 

• Questions and answers 

Resources 

• Roll of wallpaper to draw 

around a member of the class 

• Blank pictures of Ellis 

• Biography sheets 

Keywords 

• Chartist 

• Biography 

Introduction 

• Teacher to re-cap on the Chartist Movements and the Hanley riots 


• Read Biography sheet together as a class 

• Pupils work in pairs or small groups and write around a silhouette of Ellis on a 

piece of paper. A coloured key is suggested. 

- Facts we know about Ellis 

- Words to describe what he may have been like 

- What others might have thought about him 

• Pupils feed back from their groups to the teacher who has a big outline of a 

man on a flipchart or sheet of paper at the front of the class. Teacher to fill it 

in. Discuss findings. (Keep this sheet. You will need it later.) 

• Pupils to prepare an individual glossary of key words that will be added to 

over the next five lessons 


• Article from the Staffordshire 

Advertiser 

• Letter to Samuel Alcock 

• A disturbance at the Shire Hall 


• Read the Staffordshire Advertiser 

Article about Ellis’ escape to 

Glasgow and the letter to Alcock 

• Add to or alter earlier descriptions of 

Ellis. 

17


Lesson 3 – Who was William Ellis? (cont.) 

Plenary 

• Pupils to (verbally) summarise what they think Ellis was like. 

• Pupils to record five facts they have learnt about Ellis and/or what happened 

in Staffordshire in 1842. 

• Pupils to ‘bring to life’ the suggestions about Ellis’ character. Divide the class 

into two sections – half will represent Ellis and the other half will represent 

those who held opinions on him. 

Each pupil should take up a frozen position which represent Ellis or an 

opinion of him ( for example, someone who admires Ellis may position 

themselves as if they were going to shake his hand; someone who thinks 

Ellis is a trouble maker may turn away from him). 

You can then ‘activate’ any of these characters by tapping them on the 

shoulder and asking what the character they represent is thinking. For 

example; one of the Ellis’ may talk about the years he worked as a potter in 

Burslem, or what he was thinking when he interrupted the meeting at the 

Shire Hall. One of the other characters can talk about why they hold a certain 

opinion of Ellis. 

• Pupils investigate the disturbance at the Shire Hall meeting in 1842. Queen 

Victoria has recently escaped an assassination attempt. In response, a 

meeting is called at the Shire Hall to congratulate the Queen on her escape. 

William Ellis is present and, amongst others, attempts to speak about the 

rights of workers. The pupils should form groups and create a newspaper 

headline to describe the disturbance. The headline could come from a 

sympathetic journal, such as the Chartist Northern Star, or a paper 

antagonistic to Chartism. Pupils should consider how the headlines would 

differ. 

Homework 

• Individually write a 50-word summary of Ellis’s character and background, 

mentioning the things that they think are the most important. 

18…


Who was William Ellis? 

William Sherratt Ellis was born in Hanley in 1809. He was interested in politics from an 

early age and soon became an active trade unionist, campaigning for more rights and 

better conditions for workers. He became well known across the region in 1836 when he 

travelled across the Potteries making speeches in support of strikers who wanted better 

working conditions. 

William’s actions got him fired from his own job – working in a pottery factory for Samuel 

Alcock, the Chief Constable of the Potteries. Samuel was just one of many powerful 

people who did not like William’s speeches and so he was forced to move out of the 

area and spent one year living in Liverpool. 

In 1838, William was able to return to the Potteries and got another job working for his 

father-in-law, Jonah Read. However, it was not long before he was sacked again: this 

time for his militant Chartist beliefs and activities. 

William and his wife Emma left the Potteries for the second time and travelled the 

country looking for a job, still making speeches and working hard for the Chartist cause. 

Perhaps because of this, he wasn’t able to find any work and began to drink heavily. 

(Until this time, William had been a member of the temperance movement which wanted 

to ban alcohol.) 

In 1841, William returned to Burslem and got a job making plaster of Paris picture 

frames. He remained an important Chartist speaker and attended many meetings of the 

Potteries and Stafford Chartists. 

On the 18 th of July 1842, William interrupted a meeting at the Shire Hall that had been 

called to express support for the Queen following an attempt to assassinate her. He 

shouted out Chartist demands and was quickly dragged from the hall. The press named 

him as a Chartist ringleader, blaming him for lots of trouble so the authorities began to 

watch him closely. 

On the 15 th and 16 th of August 1842, there were two days of rioting in the Potteries 

following a strike by local miners which the Chartists had agreed to support. Many 

buildings were attacked including the house of the Reverend Aitkin, which was looted 

and set on fire. As a Chartist Leader, William was accused of sedition (attempting to 

overthrow the Government), treason (betraying the Queen) and supporting the use of 

violence. The police chased his across the country and finally caught him in Glasgow in 

September. 

On 3 rd October 1842, William Sherratt Ellis was brought before Judge Tindal at Court 

One in the Shire Hall in Stafford and tried along with 17 others for burning down the 

Hanley parsonage. 

19


The Staffordshire Advertiser, 17 th September 1842 

This article appeared in the Staffordshire Advertiser following William Ellis’ arrest in 

Glasgow. 

Ellis acted as Chairman at some of the meetings when O’Connor was last in the 

neighbourhood. He was the main spokesman at Stafford when the Chartists 

interrupted the County Meeting, called to send a message to the Queen and Prince 

Albert following an attempted assasination. 

He has a wife and four children. 

He was charged a Newcastle on the 12th September with having unlawfully 

endeavoured to persuade a great number of persons with force ands arms riotously to 

get together to cause terror mad upset the public peace. He was later charged with 

treason in having headed the mob, which left Hanley after the meeting on Tuesday 

morning and then went on to Burslem where they attacked the military and were 

fired on and sent away. 

He is also charged with being present at the meeting on Crown Bank, Hanley on 

Monday evening when he spoke to the meeting after Thomas Cooper. He is also 

charged with having been at the fire at Reverend Aitkin’s house on the following 

afternoon. It is also said that he tried to persuade middle classes people to join the 

chartist cause. 

20…


A letter to Samuel Alcock 

After his arrest, William Ellis wrote this letter to Samuel Alcock. Samuel was William’s 

ex-employer and the Chief Constable for the Potteries. (Chief Constable was a similar 

position to Mayor.) 

Newcastle-under-Lyme 

Police Office 

Highly Esteemed Sir, 

11 th September 1842 

I take the liberty of writing to ask from you a great favour. I have become involved 

in the meshes of the law for something which either I have or have not said. I can’t 

at present state which as I have not been told of the charge. I can say with unshaken 

confidence, that I have never at any time knowingly uttered a single word calculated 

to encourage people to use violence. I was never brought before a Magistrate in my 

life. 

I am terrified at the position I am in and it has happened at the most unfortunate 

time for me and my family as I have been out of work for nearly six months. I had 

just procured a new job, worked at it for one week when my freedom was snatched 

away from me. If this charge takes away my liberty it will stab my last and only 

hope of domestic happiness. 

When I went away from home I made a solemn resolution that come what might I 

would never get involved in any sort of trouble again. Nevertheless I can appeal to 

the authorities who have repeatedly heard me to prove that my language has never 

encouraged others to use violence. I will not trouble you with a long letter but 

conclude by respectfully requesting you, if you can do so, to state by letter to the 

Magistrates what you know of my good character. The grateful memories of early 

years flash across my mind as I make the request for the sake of my family who must 

pine in poverty if I am sent to prison 

I sincerely hope you will try to serve me and you will me the person who always 

looked up to you and respected you. I am your most humble and obedient servant. 

William Ellis 

21


A disturbance at the Shire Hall 

This account of William Ellis’ actions at the Shire Hall meeting appeared in the 

Staffordshire Newsletter on 18 th June 1842. 

County Meeting: Address to the Queen 

In compliance with a requisition, numerously and respectably signed, John Edwards Piercy 

Esq., High Sheriff of this County, convened a meeting on Monday last, of the Nobility, 

Gentry, Clergy, Freeholders and electors of the county of Stafford to consider an address to 

Her Majesty, upon her providential escape from the treasonable attack on an assassin. 

The meeting was held in the Nisi Prius Court of the Shire Hall. Before the meeting 

commenced it was rumoured some Chartists from the Potteries had come over to attend the 

meeting, and that they would interfere in some way with the business of the day. This 

rumour attracted a considerable number of the working classes, who almost filled the Nisi 

Prius Court. 

The High Sheriff, having taken the chair, opened the business of the meeting by observing 

that he had called the county together for the express purpose of presenting an address to Her 

Majesty on her recent providential escape from the attack on an assassin. He was quite sure 

that no meeting was ever called in Staffordshire, the object of which met more fully with the 

concurrence of the whole county; although from that very circumstance the attendance of 

freeholders and electors was not very numerous. It would, however, have been a reflection on 

the County, had they paused for an instant in testifying their feelings of loyalty and 

attachment to the Queen, on such an occasion as the present. He felt confident that there 

would be the utmost unanimity amongst them that day, and that their proceedings would 

show that they were all of one heart and one mind, in regard to their abhorrence of the late 

atrocious attack on the life of the Queen, and to their gratitude to Her Majesty’s providential 

escape. 

Lord Dartmouth proposed an address to the Queen, seconded by The Venerable Archdeacon 

Hodson. A man of the name of Peplow here rose, and was received with clamorous applause 

by the working men present. He was proceeding to say that he concurred with the address, so 

far as it went, but that it was deficient; when the Under Sheriff reminded him that this was 

a meeting of freeholders and county electors, and enquired whether he was a freeholder or 

county elector. 

22…


He replied that he was not, upon which the High Sheriff declared that he could not address 

the meeting. 

Another man, a stranger in Stafford, then rose, and began to make professions of his loyalty, 

and to state that he heartily approved of the address, but that he had an ‘Addendum’ to 

propose, which he thought would be kindly received by the Queen. 

The Under Sheriff enquired whether he was a freeholder or county elector. 

He said he was; that his name was William Ellis; and that he came from Burslem, or the 

neighbourhood. He then proceeded to make some observations, and read his proposed 

‘addendum’ which referred to the distress which prevailed throughout the country, and 

proposed as a sovereign remedy for it the adoption of “The Charter”. He was vociferously 

cheered. [It is only just, however, to observe that most of the persons present who seemed to 

approve of this procedure of the Pottery Chartists were strangers in Stafford, being chiefly 

shoe-makers on tramp]. 

The High Sheriff here interposed, observing, that the meeting was called for a specific 

purpose, and that the proposal of the speaker was altogether irrelevant, and out of time and 

place, and that he would not put it to the meeting. The Address having been moved and 

seconded, and no amendment put to the meeting, was adopted unanimously. 

The thanks of the meeting having been given to the High Sheriff, the High Sheriff and the 

gentlemen around him withdrew somewhat abruptly from the Court. We understand that a 

shoemaker (not a Stafford man, but a “tramp”) was afterwards appointed chairman, and 

several addresses on the usual topics of Chartist declamation were delivered. 

23


What we know about William Ellis 

Name: 

Date: 

Use this sheet to write down everything you have found out about William Ellis. 

Remember to use the key. 

KEY 

Facts we know about William Ellis 

What William Ellis was like 

What others might have thought of him 

24…


Lesson 4 – The events leading to William Ellis’ arrest 


• Understand more about Ellis’ 

life and background 

• To research and select 

information 

Evidence 

• All will have read and highlighted 

Ellis’ biography 

• Most will have completed a story 

board 

• Some will have considered what 

might happen to Ellis 

Resources 

• Big picture of Ellis 

• Coloured pens 

• Story board sheets 

• Biography sheets 

Keywords 

• Chartism 

• Treason 

• Arson 

Introduction 

• Brief recap on the story and on Ellis, pin the picture of Ellis back up at the 

front of the classroom 


• What happened to Ellis? Prepare a storyboard for a film about the key 

events in his life 

• Re-read the biography sheet 

• Working individually, highlight the sheet/make notes of the most important 

things that happened to William Ellis 

• Pupils discuss in pairs which they think are the most important events 

• Which five are most important? Report back to the board 

• Create a storyboard for a film about Ellis’ life. (Pupils can leave the last box 

empty to complete after the trial.) 



• Paragraph to summarise what pupils 

think will happen to Ellis at the trial 

and why 

25


Lesson 4 – The events leading to William Ellis’ arrest (cont.) 

Plenary 

• What can you add anything to the big picture of Ellis now? Pupils to add new 

suggestions to their own pictures of Ellis 

Homework 

• Complete the story board in colour with detailed captions 

26…


The story of William Ellis 

Name: 

Date: 

What are the five most important events in the life of William Ellis? Draw his story 

in these frames. Leave the last frame empty. You can fill it in after you find out 

what happened at William’s trial. 

27


Lesson 5 and 6 – How did the court system work? 


• To decide on characters for the reenactment. 

• To understand that different 

characters will have different points 

of view about Ellis and the 

Chartists. 

• To have an understanding of the reenactment 

process and to have 

read through the script. 

• To gain a brief understanding of the 

judicial system in 1800’s 

Resources 

• Plan of court layout 

• Scripts 

• Character profiles 

Evidence 

• Pupil feedback 

Keywords 

• Justice 

• Prosecution 

• Defence 

• Defendant 

Introduction 

• Use the plan of Court One to explain where main characters will sit and briefly 

what they do. 

Development Activites 

Lesson 5 

• Big picture of William Ellis on wall to remind pupils about his character. 

• What sort of people would the judge, witnesses and barristers have been? 

Ideas on board 

• Give out character profiles 

• Copes of scripts to those who need them 

• Explain the re-enactment process (i.e. it is scripted except for Ellis and the 

witnesses.) 

• Ask for volunteers for parts. 

• Pupils to read and make a note of any questions/worries they have 

Lesson 6 

• Pupils to re-enact the trial of William Ellis (Court One, the Shire Hall Gallery) 

28…


Lesson 5 and 6 – How did the court system work? (cont.) 


• The special Commission 

• Victorian Costume 

Extension Activites 

• Research on the Judicial system in 

the nineteenth century 

Plenary 

Lesson 5 

• One read through of the script 

Lesson 6 

• Visit to the Holding Cell to discuss William Ellis’ feelings before the trial. 

• Use of the Court One Handling Collection 

Homework 

Lesson 5 

• Read through script and prepare answers if playing a part in the drama 

29


The Special Commission 

Following the Hanley riots, a Special Commission was set up to gather together all the 

information and reports on the events that took place and report back to the courts. This 

article appeared in the Staffordshire Advertiser on October 1 st , 1842. 

It would be a betrayal of our own duty, of the interests of the community, and of the cause 

of peace and social order if we failed to represent the late outbreak in this county as one of 

a most fearful and alarming nature. The excesses committed were of the most violent 

description, and but for the interposition of the military force, it is impossible to say to 

what lengths the infuriated mobs would have gone. At one time the district of the 

Potteries was menaced with destruction. 

In its origin, the movement was not of a political nature. A dispute arose between the 

workers and their employers at a colliery in Longton, in the month of June. The colliers 

turned out and by a most abominable system of intimidation, prevented others from 

working. The Chartist speakers of the district availed themselves of this state of confusion 

and disturbance, and delivered frequent addresses of the most imflammatory character. By 

this means the excitement was increased and the Magistrates found it necessary to call in 

military aid in order to maintain the public peace. 

On Monday (15 th August), the mob, after turning out the workmen at several 

manufactories, attacked and pillaged the Hanley Post Office, the house of Mr Gibbs, the 

collector of poor rates, the Court of Requests at Shelton Bridge, and the Post Officer at 

Stoke, where they burnt books and furniture. On the following morning, two large 

assemblages of rioters met at Burslem, and were proceeding to acts of violence, when the 

military fired upon the mob and one man was killed upon the spot and several wounded. 

This act of determination proved effectual in stopping the progress of this most disgraceful 

and wicked riot. 

For offences connected with these outrages, 260 individuals are about to appear at the bar 

of justice. We make no assumption of the guilt of this or that particular person. We know 

that justice, tempered with mercy, will be administered. Whilst we express a decided 

opinion that the most guilty should meet with a degree of punishment commensurate with 

their crimes, we are anxious that the ignorant dupes of the more designing should escape 

with a lenient sentence. It is a source of high satisfaction to know that no charge, unless 

brought home satisfactorily to a prisoner, will obtain a conviction; and that the learned 

Judges will apportion their punishment in each case not according to the prejudices and 

fears of others, but according to the nature and degree of the respective offences. 

30…


Saturday the 8 th of October was the fifth day of the Hanley riot trials and the day that 

William Ellis was bought before the court. The Special Commission published this report 

in the Staffordshire Advertiser. 

At the opening of the court this morning, the following prisoners were arraigned – Elijah 

Simpson, Thomas Owen, George Kelsall, Thomas Murray, Phillip Dean, William Spode, 

Henry Howard, William Ellis, Adam Wood, Elijah Clay, John Cunliffe, Joseph Green, 

Richard Croxton, John Rathbone, William Turner, Thomas Roberts, William Fean, and 

George Colclough. 

The indictment charged the prisoners that they, together with diverse other evil-disposed 

persons to the number of one hundred and more, on the 16 th of August last, at the parish of 

Stoke on Trent, with force and arms, feloniously, unlawfully, riotously and tumultuously 

did assemble together, to the disturbance of the public peace, and that being then so 

assembled, they pulled down and destroyed and certain house belonging to Robert Ellis 

Aitkin, clerk. There was a second count in the indictment which changed them with 

beginning to pull down and destroy the said house. 

The prisoners severally pleaded not guilty; the prisoner William Ellis (who had been 

originally committed on a charge of high treason) pleaded not guilty in a loud tone of voice. 

Arraigned means ‘to call an accused person in front of a court’. 

An indictment is ‘a written statement accusing a person of committing a crime’. 

31


Teacher’s Resource Sheet: Victorian costume 

Before the trial, the Judge and barristers will be provided with costumes although the 

rest of the courtroom will not. However, simple and effective Victorian outfits can be 

created by adapting clothing found at home. 

Boys 

Long trousers (ideally corduroy or cotton drill) with optional braces. 

Plain black trousers tucked into knee-length socks 

Long sleeved shirt 

Scarf, floppy bow tie, cravat or neckerchief 

Waistcoat or woollen tank top 

Boots or lace-up shoes. 

Flat cap or bowler hat (plastic bowler hats are readily available at fancy dress shops). 

Girls 

Mid-calf length dress (not full length). 

Dark coloured skirt and white blouse 

Optional white apron or pinafore. 

Dark coloured tights or long socks. 

Gloves 

Boots or shoes. 

Cape or shawl (square of fabric folded diagonally e.g. baby blanket or table cloth) tied at 

the front or pinned with brooch. 

Bonnet, straw sun hat 

Long hair should be plaited and tied with ribbons. 

Try to remove as much of the 21st Century as possible - jewellery, nail varnish, 

watches, t-shirts and jeans. 

32…


Teacher’s Resource Sheet: The courtroom 

Use this plan to seat your class when they are practising or performing the trial. 

Suggestions for extra (non-speaking) characters are marked with asterisks. 

1 

2 3 

4 

*9 

5 

6 

6 

*11 

*10 7 *10 

8 

8 8 

1. Judge 

2. Clerk 

3. Usher 

4. Witnesses (5 characters – 3 women and two men.) 

5. Jury (There are 12 jurors but only the Foreman will speak) 

6. Barristers (One for the defence and one for the prosecution). 

7. Prisoner and Guard. (*Extra policemen and prison officers can be added). 

8. Public (Witnesses should return to the public gallery when not on the stand). 

*9. Press (Staffordshire Advertiser) and court artist to record the trial 

*10. Solicitors to consult with the barristers and pass them their paperwork. 

*11. Chief of police 

33


The Courtroom 

Here is a plan of the courtroom. Can you work out who would sit where? Write your 

answers at the bottom of the page. 

6 

1 

2 3 

6 

4 

5 

Jury 

Usher 

The public 

Barristers 

Judge 

Witnesses 

Guard 

Clerk 

Prisoner 

7 

8 

8 8 

1. The was a powerful 

man who was in charge of the courtroom. 

2. The called 

the witnesses to the stand. 

3. The swore in 

the witnesses. 

4. The stood 

here to give evidence. 

5. The were 

‘twelve good men and true’. 

6. Two tried to prove 

that the prisoner was guilty or innocent. 

7. The and the 

would stand in the dock. 

8. The would watch 

from this gallery. 

34…


List of Participants 

Name 

I am playing the part of 

Date 

During the trial these characters need to have a copy of the script: 

• Judge Chief Justice Tindal 

• Prosecution Barrister, Mr Waddington 

• Defence Barrister, Mr Allen 

• Foreperson of the Jury 

• Court Usher 

• Court Clerk 

During the trial these characters will have to improvise their responses to the 

barristers’ questions: 

The Defendant 

• William Ellis 

Witnesses for the Prosecution 

• Reverend Aitkin 

• Samuel Alcock 

• James Keeling 

Witnesses for the Defence 

• Moses Simpson 

• Thomas Cooper 

• Joseph Capper 

These characters should not see the script before the trial: 

• Jury members 

• Members of the public gallery 

• Court reporters/artist 

• Prison governor 

35


Judge – The Right Honourable Sir Nicholas Conyhgham Tindal 

You are a 68-year-old man who has a great deal of experience as a judge. You own a 

lot of land in Staffordshire and are not impressed by the Chartist’s actions or their cause. 

You have some sympathy with people wanting the vote but do not think that poor people 

should be allowed to decide the future of the country. You believe far too many of them 

are drunk and violent. In your opinion, William Ellis’s actions prove that! 

You are a ruthless judge but you are worried that if Ellis is found guilty, and punished 

harshly, he might become a martyr to the Chartist cause. 

• You will listen carefully to all the evidence presented by both sides. 

• You will ensure that the witnesses answer all the questions asked by the 

barristers. 

• You must not take sides. 

• You are there to help the jury reach a decision. 

• If he is found guilty, you will pass sentence on William Ellis at the end of the trial. 

• If William Ellis is found not guilty, you will set him free. 

Remember: this is your courtroom you will not tolerate any interruptions. 

If anyone interrupts the proceedings you must bang your gavel on the table and shout 

“Silence in Court”. If anyone keeps talking when you don’t want them to you can tell 

the policeman to remove them from the court. 

36…


Prosecution Barrister – Thomas Waddington 

You are a 54-year-old man who has no sympathy for the Chartists or their tactics. You 

believe that nothing can justify the violence witnessed in the Potteries in August 1842. 

You are very patriotic and have had heard that William Ellis has criticised the Queen. 

You are also very competitive and hate losing cases. As a prosecution lawyer you love 

nothing more than seeing a defendant convicted. 

You will try to show that William Ellis was responsible for the attack on the Reverend’s 

house. You will say it was not a coincidence that leading Chartists were in town just 

before all the trouble started. You will try to prove that witnesses saw Ellis causing 

trouble in Hanley close to the Reverend Aitkin’s house. You will also say that the 

Temperance Movement is just a front for Chartist troublemakers. 

37


Defence Barrister – Robert Allen 

You are a 57-year-old defence barrister. You are very sympathetic to the Chartist cause 

and you are a member of the Chartist Defence League. Although you are from a wealthy 

background you believe that all men should have the vote simply because it is fairer. 

You are also concerned that if working people don’t get the vote then they might 

express their anger and frustration through violence or even revolution (like they have 

done on the continent). 

You think William Ellis is a scapegoat for the troubles. You will try to prove that no one 

actually saw him at the Reverend’s house. You will blame the violence on the striking 

miners who have had enough of unemployment and bad bosses, not on William Ellis. 

38…


Court Usher 

You are 30 years old and have done your job for around 4 years. You have a great 

interest in the law but your parents were too poor to send you to university so you took 

the next best thing and decided to be a court usher. Your job means that you have to 

help the clerk and look after the witnesses, asking them to swear the oath. You 

thoroughly enjoy your work and would never think of doing anything else. 

Although you are from a lower middle class background, you have developed a love of 

pomp and ceremony. You love being dressed in legal wear, speaking in a rather posh 

accent and generally being self-important. 

When you lead in the witnesses to the stand you must ask them to say the following: 

Court Usher: 

Witness: 

Repeat after me. 

I swear by Almighty God that the evidence I shall give shall be the 

truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth. 

I swear by Almighty God that the evidence I shall give shall be the 

Truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth. 

39


Policeman – Jack Warner 

You are not really concerned with the details of the case. Chartism is none of your 

business you simply arrest people who are breaking the law. But you are very 

concerned at the amount of violence in the Potteries at the moment. 

During the trial it is your job to guard Ellis and to help remove any troublemakers if the 

Judge asks you to. 

40…


Clerk – Alistair Beale 

You are a 52-year-old man who is self important and pompous. You have been doing 

this job all of your working life. You are the judge’s right hand man. You have a booming 

voice that commands respect. 

During the trial you will call witnesses and make sure the court runs smoothly. 

41


The Defendant – William Ellis 

You are a 33-year-old Pottery worker who is married with four children. You are a man 

who believes very strongly in the Chartist cause and you are prepared to use violence to 

get what you want. You have been involved in political movements for a long time. 

You worked for the Chief Constable, Samuel Alcock, for one year but he sacked you 

because you were a Chartist. You feel you are being picked on because of your political 

beliefs. 

You will argue very strongly that you were not at Reverend Aitkin’s house on the 15 th 

August and that you were not responsible for burning it down. Nobody actually saw you 

in the house, and whilst some people think they saw you outside it no one can be 

absolutely sure. You had been at the meetings and you had marched through the town 

but you did not attack the property. 

You think that you are being made a scapegoat for the riots and you are being picked on 

because you are a good speaker who believes passionately in Chartism. The reason 

you fled to Glasgow was because you knew that the authorities would blame you. 

During the trial, you will be asked: 

• Were you at the Reverend Aitkin’s house on the 15 th of August? 

• Was it your aim to burn down the Reverend Aitkin’s house? Have you no respect for 

other people’s property? 

• After the fire at the Reverend’s house, you fled to Glasgow. Can you explain why 

you did that? Perhaps it was because you were guilty. 

• Why should people get the vote? What have they done to earn it? 

• Is Chartism more important to you than the property of another person? 

• Did you go to the Reverend Aitkin’s house that afternoon? 

• Do you see anything wrong with entering another person’s house and destroying 

their property? 

• Did you deliberately set out to burn the Reverend Aitkin’s house down? 

• Why do you think you are being tried for this crime which you so clearly state that 

you did not do? 

Use the information above to work out answers to these questions. You may have 

to use your imagination for some of them. You will need the answers during the 

trial so once you are happy with them, write them in the boxes on your script. 

42…


Witness for the Prosecution – Samuel Alcock 

You are the 49-year-old Chief Constable of the Potteries. You are well educated and 

very well off. You have held this job for the last five years but you also have a pottery 

business in the area. You are very worried about the Chartist movement, particularly 

their recent activities in your area. You are furious! They have threatened the peace and 

security of the potteries and you are worried that your own business might be attacked. 

The Chartists have held many meetings in Hanley, Burslem and Leek that have 

attracted a lot of people to the area. Spies who work for you have reported that they 

have guns and other weapons and are planning to use them. Your informants have also 

told you that Ellis was at the Reverend Aitkin’s house and encouraged others to attack 

it. Whilst the mobs are made up of miners who are striking because of wage cuts you 

think that it is the Chartists that organise the riots and encourage them to attack property 

and to cause trouble in the area. 

You do have some sympathy with the lower classes as low wages and unemployment 

bring suffering. But you have no sympathy for the Chartists. You believe that the 

Chartists pose a genuine threat to the country and the Queen. You were outraged by 

Ellis’s interruption of the meeting to support the Queen. 

You once employed Ellis but sacked him because of his political activities. You believe 

that the Chartists should be treated severely and made an example of to discourage 

others from such action. It will show people that riot and mob action will not be tolerated 

in the Potteries. 


• What is your occupation? 

• What has been you main responsibility in recent years? 

• What is your opinion of Chartism? 

• What do you think will happen to our great country if the Chartists are allowed to 

hold such violent demonstrations? 

• Is it true that you employed Ellis for a short time? 

• What is your opinion of this man? 

• Would you say that you know about the lives of the people of England? 

• Have you ever been unemployed? 

• Can someone from a wealthy background such as yours, who has the right to vote, 

ever really understand what makes working men demand their rights? 

• Why did you sack William Ellis? Is it true to say that it was because you are biased 

against his beliefs? 




43


Witness for the Prosecution – Reverend Aitkin 

You are a 55-year-old Reverend who has lived in Hanley all his life. You had a large 

comfortable house that you were very proud of. You have plenty of money and mix with 

the higher levels of society. 

You were not in your house on the day it was attacked because you had gone to visit a 

friend. When you got home, you saw a large group of people shouting and cheering as 

the flames leapt from every window. Your house had clearly been smashed up and lots 

of things had been stolen. You were horrified and angry. You did not actually see Ellis 

there yourself but you did see someone who looked like him standing on the grass 

opposite cheering and yelling instructions to the rioters. 

Your wife and son have been very badly affected by the events and your wife is now 

scared to go out. 

As a Reverend you have some sympathy for poorer people and you are aware of the 

problems in the area but you are also a wealthy middle class man who does not 

approve of violent tactics and damage to property. 

You want to see Ellis and the other Chartists convicted of this terrible crime. You want 

them to be made an example of and you want justice for you and your family. 


• Please will you tell the court what happened on the afternoon in question? 

• How can you be sure that it was William Ellis who attacked your house? 

• How did you feel when this incident happened? 

• What effect has the whole incident had upon your life? 

• This whole episode sounds dramatic and very upsetting. How can you be sure you 

have remembered everything properly? 

• Were the men that were attacking your house walking around slowly or rushing 

around? How often have you met William Ellis? It seems to me you would have 

difficulty telling if it was definitely Ellis. 

• Did you deal calmly with the men who came to your house, or in the heat of the 

moment were you aggressive? It seems to me that these men only came to ask you 

to support them in their cause. Could you have brought the trouble on yourself? 

• Finally, it seems that you are quite well off. How do you feel about those who do not 

have your money and privileges? Could it be that your own dislike of working men 

and women have led to you misremembering events and people’s faces? 




44…


Witness for the Prosecution – James Keeling 

You are a 38-year-old married man with three children who works in an office at a 

pottery firm. 

You have a comfortable life and a nice house. You dislike the Chartists and feel that 

they are just a bunch of hooligans. You don’t think that politics have anything to do with 

you but you are upset that some of the Chartists have told people to go on strike. This 

meant the pottery firm shut for a while and you lost valuable income. 

On the day of the riots, you were at a Mr Askey’s house until 12 o’clock. As you were 

walking home you think you saw William Ellis rioting in Hanley with another man called 

Curly. You heard the man you think was William Ellis shout, “There is nothing here! Lets 

go to Charles Meigh’s house, where there’s lots more.” You also think that Ellis said to 

the crowd, “I have got some money! Please yourself if you get some too.” You then saw 

Ellis and a mob go towards Reverend Atkins’ house. 

You have only met Ellis on a few occasions. The defence may well ask how in the 

middle of all this trouble you could have identified him. You might say you have nothing 

to gain from lying; it is the defence’s job to see if that is true! 


• How do you know William Ellis and what is you opinion of him? 

• Could you describe for the court the events of August 15 th and what you saw 

happen at Reverend Aitkin’s house? 

• Would you tell the court where Ellis was during this incident and what you saw him 

doing? 

• How did you feel when you saw this incident? 

• Have you ever been involved in any Chartist activity? 

• What is your opinion of Chartism? 

• You claim that Ellis was at Reverend Aitkin’s house and encouraging others to use 

violence against him. Can anyone else back up your story? 

• Two hundred and seventy-seven men have been tried for this crime. If there was 

even half of that number in and around the house, how can you possibly be sure 

Ellis was there? 

• Would you agree that not all the rioters were active Chartists and that there are a lot 

of other problems in the area at the moment? 

• Why were you in the Reverend’s house? Are you a rioter who is just trying to get out 

of trouble? 




45


Witness for the Defence – Thomas Cooper 

You were born to a very poor family in Lincoln. You educated yourself and you could 

read well by the age of five but your poverty made you a radical and you blame the 

government for your hardships. 

You are a very religious man. You are a part time Methodist preacher and you are used 

to speaking in front of audiences. You sometimes speak for hours on end. Your 

speeches are always passionate but can be very long (and perhaps a bit boring). 

You are an important member of the Chartist movement. You believe in the Charter and 

played an important role in setting up and getting the petition to parliament. You travel 

around the country making speeches trying to gain support for the Charter. 

You have been called as a defence witness because you know Ellis and believe that he 

is unlikely to have attacked the Reverend Atkin’s home. You believe that Ellis is a 

committed Chartist and not the criminal he is being portrayed as. 

You were in Hanley on 14th August 1842 and made a speech about striking until the 

Charter is passed. Your speech contained lines such as, “thou shalt not kill” and “forgive 

your enemies.” 

As a witness in this case you may take the opportunity to make another speech about 

why The Charter and Chartism are so important. 


• What is your role in the Chartist movement? 

• What do you think about the use of violence to get what you want? 

• How long have you known Ellis? Do you think he is capable of deliberately setting 

fire to another man’s house? 

• Was Ellis at Reverend Aikin’s house on the 15 th August? 

• How can you be sure that Ellis was not there? Were you at the Reverend’s house 

that day? 

• How can you justify encouraging men and women to riot and attack people’s 

houses? 

• Did you know that Ellis interrupted a meeting held to support thre Queen? How can 

you trust a man like this? 




46…


Witness for the Defence – Moses Simpson 

You are a thirty one year old pottery worker. You have known Ellis for many years and 

believe him to be a man of strong character. You met Ellis at a meeting of the 

Temperance Society (against drinking alcohol) and have remained friends ever since. 

You are also a Chartist and believe that the only way employers will listen is if ordinary 

working men have the vote. You have no idea where Ellis was on the afternoon of the 

attack but you did meet him earlier in the Crown Inn in Hanley and you saw him talking 

about the need to continue the strike until the demands had been met. 

You are a drunk! Much of your evidence may be unreliable because of this. The 

prosecution will try to say that you are a hypocrite because you are supposed to 

completely against drinking alcohol. 


• How do you know William Ellis? 

• What is your opinion of the state of working people in this area? 

• I understand that it is impossible for Mr. Ellis to have carried out this crime. Can you 

explain why? 

• Can anyone else back up your story of the whereabouts of Ellis on the afternoon in 

question? 

• Do you ever drink alcohol? 

• Had you been drinking on the 15 th August? 

• It seems to me that you are a man who enjoys drinking far too much and would be 

willing to lie to save a friend. How reliable would you say you are as a witness? 




47


Witness for the Defence – Joseph Capper 

You are a 40-year-old writer for the Northern Star (a Chartist newspaper). 

You are quoted as saying that it is wrong that Ellis has been arrested for this offence 

because all the evidence is circumstantial (no one saw him there). You are also quoted 

in your newspaper report as saying Ellis is “a person of commanding and respectable 

talent.” 

You also believe that Ellis is being used as a scapegoat for the trouble (and in particular 

the strikes). You believe that the rich and powerful are trying to make an example of this 

innocent man so that no one will want to be a Chartist or support the Chartists. 


• How do you know William Ellis? 

• What is your opinion of him? 

• Is he capable of deliberately setting fire to someone’s house and putting the lives of 

people around him in danger? 

• How well would you say you know William Ellis? 

• Is it possible that in the excitement of the day he may have got carried away and 

been happy to risk life and limb for the cause? 

• What would you reaction have been if your own home had been destroyed by 

rioters? 




48…


Public Gallery 

For William Ellis and the Chartists 

• You should cheer and shout encouragement when Ellis or the Defence barrister 

or witnesses have finished speaking. 

• You should boo and shout when the Prosecution barrister or witnesses have 

finished speaking. 

• You should be quiet when people are speaking but feel free to make noise at the 

end of speeches. 

• The Judge is in charge of the court and you MUST obey the Judge. Failure to do 

this may lead to your arrest!!! 

Against William Ellis and the Chartists 

• You should cheer and shout encouragement when Prosecution barrister or 

witnesses have finished speaking. 

• You should boo and shout when the Defence barrister or witnesses (particularly 

William Ellis) have finished speaking. 

• You should be quiet when people are speaking but feel free to make noise at the 

end of speeches. 

• The Judge is in charge of the court and you MUST obey the Judge. Failure to do 

this may lead to your arrest!!! 

49


The Jury 

The Jury must listen very carefully to all the evidence and then decide: 

Is William Ellis is guilty of the attack on the Reverend’s home? 

The Jury must also consider the following issues: 

• Is the evidence strong enough to find him guilty? 

• Is it possible that William Ellis is being framed? 

• Are the authorities seeking to make an example of William Ellis? 

• William Ellis is not being tried for being a Chartist. But the fact he is a Chartist 

may mean he will not receive a fair hearing. 

Members of the Jury 

Foreman - James Harding 

Age: 46 

Job: Pottery Factory Owner 

Address: Etruria, Stoke-on-Trent 

You have little sympathy for the Chartist cause. Your factory has been disrupted a 

number of times by strikes and you partly blame the Chartists for this. You consider 

yourself to be a fair man who will try to only think about the evidence. 

Arthur Day 

Age: 32 

Job: Tea and spices merchant 

Address: Penkull, Newcastle-under-Lyme 

You are the only person on the jury who has a lot of sympathy with the Chartists. You 

have only recently met the qualification criteria to vote. You believe that a lot of the 

problems in the area are caused by unemployment, drink and poverty. You have also 

travelled around the world and are worried that Britain is becoming too industrial. 

Quinton Sneyd 

Age: 62 

Job: Landowner and Lord 

Address: Sneyd Hall, Stoke-on-Trent 

You believe that many of the people who claim to be Chartists are simply hooligans and 

ruffians. You also believe that most people don’t have the education to vote. You did not 

even agree with the reforms of 1832. As a Lord you have the right to sit in the House of 

Lords and decide what the government does. Often however you leave the important 

decisions to the more interested Lords and MPs. 

50…


The Jury 

Alfred Gask 

Age: 30 

Job: Mine owner 

Address: Tunstall, Stoke-on-Trent 

The Chartists and their leaders do not impress you. You blame the Chartists for starting 

all the trouble in Stoke-on-Trent during August 1842. You have heard of Ellis and know 

something of his character from friends. 

Matthew Millington 

Age: 65 

Job: Owner of a shoe factory 

Address: Doxey, Stafford 

You believe that the Chartists are causing far too much trouble and cannot understand 

why they want the vote. You were an officer in the army during the Napoleonic War and 

thinks that the Chartists are just undisciplined criminals. You also think that many of the 

Chartists use the cause as an excuse to make trouble. 

George Norman 

Age: 55 

Job: Headmaster of the Boy’s School. 

Address: Gnosall, Stafford 

You believe that the Chartists have a real case but do not like the methods many of 

them use. You are impressed by some of the Chartists as they have taught themselves 

to read and write. You also agree with the People’s Charter and actually signed the 

Great Petition. You do not drink and you are upset by some of the drunken behaviour 

shown by these so called members of the Temperance Movement found in the 

Chartists. 

51


The Trial of William Ellis 

It is 3 rd October 1842. William Ellis is on trial charged with unlawfully and riotously 

pulling down and destroying a house belonging to Reverend Aitkin with fire. 

Court Usher ALL RISE! 

The judge enters and sits down. When the judge has sat down then everyone else 

can sit. 

Court Clerk: 

Judge: 

Court Usher: 

Ellis: 

Judge: 

(To Ellis) 

(To the jury) 

Your Honour, Justice Tindal, the next case before you is that of one 

William Ellis. We believe him to be a Chartist from Burslem. May I 

read the charges? 

Yes, yes! Get on with it! 

William Sherratt Ellis, you are charged with getting together with 

others to burn down the house of Reverend Aitkin. How do you 

plead, guilty or not guilty? 

NOT GUILTY! 

Aah, Not Guilty to a most serious offence, well we shall see! 

Mr Ellis, my court does not look kindly upon Chartists and the 

violent attacks that they take part in. You demand reform and the 

right to vote. But all I hear of are vicious attacks and threats to the 

happiness and safety of people’s lives. The miseries that you inflict 

on the good, peaceful people of this county are worse than an 

invading enemy. An enemy would respect the houses of private 

individuals. You are nothing but a troublemaker. You need to know 

that such terrible, treacherous behaviour will be most strictly dealt 

with in my court. 

Members of the jury, I trust that you are twelve good sensible men 

and that you will give a fair and just verdict. You must pay close 

attention to the details of this case, as you will be deciding upon the 

future of this man. 

Foreperson of the jury, do you understand the task before you? 

Foreperson: 

Yes your honour! 

52…


Judge: 

Prosecution: 

Court Clerk: 

Court Usher: 

Right! Let us proceed! Who is the first witness for the prosecution? 

My first witness is Reverend Aitkin, your honour. 

Call Reverend Aitkin! 

Call Reverend Aitkin! 

The Court Usher leads Reverend Aitkin up to the witness stand and reads him the 

oath. The prosecution and defence barristers then question Reverend Aitkin. 

Prosecution: 

Please will you tell the court what happened on the afternoon in 

question? 

Witness responds using the information on his/her character sheet. To help you, use this space to 

write down your reply. 

Prosecution: 

How can you be sure that it was William Ellis who attacked your 

house? 



Prosecution: 

How did you feel when this incident happened? 



53


Prosecution: 

What effect has the whole incident had upon your life? 



Defence: 

This whole episode sounds dramatic and very upsetting. How can 

you be sure you have remembered everything properly? 



Defence: 

Were the men that were attacking your house walking around 

slowly or rushing around? How often have you met William Ellis? 

It seems to me that you would have had difficulty telling if it was 

definitely Ellis. 



Defence: 

Did you deal calmly with the men who came to your house, or in 

the heat of the moment were you aggressive? It seems to me that 

these men only came to ask you to support them in their cause. 

Could you have brought the trouble on yourself? 



54…


Defence: 

Finally, it seems that you are quite well off. How do you feel about 

those who do not have your money and privileges? Could it be that 

your own dislike of working men and women have led to you 

misremembering events and people’s faces? 



Defence: 

Judge: 

I have no more questions your Honour. 

The witness may step down. 

Witness returns to their seat. 

Court Clerk: 

Court Usher: 

Call James Keeling! 

Call James Keeling! 

The Court Usher leads Keeling to the witness stand and reads him the oath. The 

prosecution and defence barristers then question Keeling. 

Prosecution: 

How do you know William Ellis and what is your opinion of him? 



Prosecution: 

Could you describe for the court the events of August 15 th and what 

you saw happen at Reverend Aitkin’s house? 



55


Prosecution: 

Would you tell the court where Ellis was during this incident and 

what you saw him doing? 



Prosecution: 

How did you feel when you saw this incident? 



Prosecution: 

Have you ever been involved in any Chartist Activity? 



Prosecution: 

What is your opinion of Chartism? 



56…


Defence: 

You claim that Ellis was at Reverend Aitkin’s house and 

encouraging others to use violence against him. Can anyone else 

back up your story? 



Defence: 

Two hundred and seventy seven men have been tried for this crime. 

If there was even half of that number in and around the house how 

can you possibly be sure Ellis was there? 



Defence: 

Would you agree that not all of the rioters were active Chartists and 

that there are a lot of other problems in the area at the moment? 



Defence: 

Why were you in the Reverend’s house? Are you a rioter who is just 

trying to get out of trouble? 



57


Defence: 

Judge: 



Witness returns to his seat. 

Court Clerk: 

Court Usher: 

Call Samuel Alcock! 

Call Samuel Alcock! 

The Court Usher leads Samuel Alcock up to the witness stand and reads him the 

oath. The prosecution and defence barristers then question Samuel Alcock. 

Prosecution: 

What is your occupation? 



Prosecution: 

What has been your main responsibility in recent years? 



Prosecution: 

What is your opinion of Chartism? 



58…


Prosecution: 

What do you think will happen to our great country if the Chartists 

are allowed to hold such violent demonstrations? 



Prosecution: 

Is it true that you employed Ellis for a short time? 



Prosecution: 

What is your opinion of this man? 



Defence: 

Would you say that you know about the lives of the people of 

England? 



59


Defence: 

Have you ever been unemployed? 



Defence: 

Can someone from a wealthy background such as yours, who has 

the right to vote, ever really understand what makes working men 

demand their rights? 



Defence: 

Why did you sack William Ellis? Is it true to say that it was because 

you are biased against his beliefs? 



Defence: 

Judge: 




Court Clerk: 

Court Usher: 

Call Joseph Capper! 

Call Joseph Capper! 

The Court Usher leads Capper to the witness stand and reads him the oath. The 

prosecution and defence barristers then question Capper. 

60…


Defence: 

How do you know William Ellis? 



Defence: 

What is your opinion of him? 



Defence: 

Is he capable of deliberately setting fire to someone’s house and 

putting the lives of people around him in danger? 



Prosecution: 

How well would you say you know William Ellis? 



61


Prosecution: 

Is it possible that in the excitement of the day he may have got 

carried away and been happy to risk life and limb for the cause? 



Prosecution: 

What would your reaction have been if your own home had been 

destroyed by rioters? 



Prosecution: 

Judge: 



Witness returns to their seat 

Court Clerk: 

Court Usher: 

Call Moses Simpson! 

Call Moses Simpson! 

The Court Usher leads Moses Simpson up to the witness stand and reads him the 

oath. The prosecution and defence barristers then question Moses Simpson 

Defence: 

How do you know William Ellis? 



62…


Defence: 

What is your opinion of the state of working people in this area? 



Defence: 

I understand that is impossible for Mr Ellis to have carried out this 

crime. Can you explain why? 



Prosecution: 

Can anyone else back up your story of the whereabouts of Ellis on 

the afternoon in question? 



Prosecution: 

Do you ever drink alcohol? 



63


Prosecution: 

Had you been drinking on the 15th August? 



Prosecution: 

It seems to me that you are a man who enjoys drinking far too much 

and would be willing to lie to save a friend. How reliable would you 

say you are as a witness? 



Prosecution: 

Judge: 


The witness may step down 


Court Clerk: 

Court Usher: 

Call Thomas Cooper! 

Call Thomas Cooper! 

The Court Usher leads Thomas Cooper to the witness stand and reads him the 

oath. The prosecution and defence barristers then question Thomas Cooper 

Defence: 

What is your role in the Chartist movement? 



64…


Defence: 

What do you think about the use of violence to get what you want? 



Defence: 

How long have you known Ellis? Do you think he is capable of 

deliberately setting fire to another mans house? 



Defence: 

Was Ellis at Reverend Aitkin’s house on the 15 th August? 



Prosecution: 

How can you be sure that Ellis was not there? Were you at the 

Reverend’s house that day? 



65


Prosecution: 

How can you justify encouraging men and women to riot and attack 

people’s houses? 



Prosecution: 

Did you know that Ellis disrupted a meeting held to support the 

Queen? How can you trust a man like this? 



Prosecution: 

Judge: 




Clerk: 

Usher: 

Call William Ellis! 

Call William Ellis! 

The Court Usher leads William Ellis to the witness stand and reads him the oath. 

The prosecution and defence barristers then question William Ellis. 

Prosecution: 

Why were you at the Reverend Aitkin’s house on the 15 th August? 



66…


Prosecution: 

Was it your aim to burn down Reverend Aitkin’s house? Have you 

no respect for other people’s property? 



Prosecution: 

After the fire at the Reverend’s house you fled to Glasgow. Can you 

explain why you did that? Perhaps it was because you were guilty. 



Prosecution: 

Why should people get the vote? What have they done to earn it? 



Prosecution: 

Is Chartism more important to you than the property of another 

person? 



67


Defence: 

Did you go to the Reverend Aitkin’s house that afternoon? 



Defence: 

Do you see anything wrong with entering another person’s house 

and destroying their property? 



Defence: 

Did you deliberately set out to burn Reverend Aitkin’s house down? 



Defence: 

Why do you think you are being tried for this crime which you so 

clearly state that you did not do? 



68…


Defence: 

Judge: 

I have no further questions your Honour. 



Shouting and cheering from the Public Gallery. 

Judge: 

Defence: 

SILENCE! I will not stand for such interruptions! 

The defence and prosecution must now give their closing speeches. 

Members of the jury I put it to you that William Ellis is NOT GUILTY 

of the charges of burning down Reverend Aitkin's house. We have 

heard that Ellis is reliable and of good character. The evidence from 

Joseph Capper is at best unreliable as he has been in trouble with 

the police before. Samuel Alcock has seen fit to employ Ellis but 

seems biased against his political beliefs. Reverend Aitkin was very 

upset by these events but did not actually see Ellis in his house, nor 

hear him tell other people to riot. Indeed there is no evidence that 

definitely places Ellis at the Reverend’s house that afternoon. There 

is not the slightest bit of evidence that shows that William Ellis had 

the intention or the means to burn down the house. 

An innocent man is being made a scapegoat for other people’s 

unruly and violent behaviour. The man before you is being 

victimised by the authorities for his belief in the right of all men to 

vote and his willingness to stand up for it. You must therefore find 

William Ellis NOT GUILTY! 

Prosecution: 

Members of the jury I put it to you that William Ellis is GUILTY of the 

charge of destroying a house by fire. We have heard that a very 

vicious attack was committed against innocent people in their own 

home. Reverend Aitkin and his family were very lucky not to be 

seriously injured. We have heard from the Reverend that the mob of 

rioters terrorised and terrified the local people and that people were 

scared that they would be killed. The story that Ellis was not at the 

house has been made up to get him out of trouble. The fact that 

Ellis fled to Glasgow straight after the incident also shows his guilt. 

Finally, we have heard from the Chief Constable that men like Ellis 

are dangerous and must be stopped before they injure or kill 

innocent people. Men like Ellis will ruin our great country. William 

Sherratt Ellis has broken the law and must be found GUILTY as 

charged. 

69


Booing and shouting from the Public Gallery. 

Judge: 

SILENCE IN COURT! 

Members of the jury, you have heard the evidence before you, 

stories of rebellion and riot against the proper order of things. 

Whether you choose to believe the Chartists is up to you. Whether 

you think that they are right in their dangerous demands is not 

relevant to this case. What you must decide is the guilt or 

innocence of William Ellis. He stands here accused of a most 

serious crime, of destroying a house by fire. 

I demand that you reach a fair and just verdict - be that Guilty or 

not! 

The jury may now make their decision. 

The jury stay in their seats and discuss whether they think Ellis is guilty or not. 

Court Clerk: 

William Ellis, will you please stand. Foreman of the jury; please 

make yourself known. 

Foreperson stands. 

Court Clerk: 

Foreman: 

Court Clerk: 

Foreman 

In the case of William Ellis, have you reached a decision? 

Yes. 

On the charge of destroying a house by fire do you find the 

defendant guilty or not guilty? 

We find the defendant guilty/not guilty 

70…


If Ellis is found GUILTY use the following: 

Judge: 

William Sherratt Ellis, the court has found you guilty of the 

aforementioned crimes. I therefore have no hesitation in sentencing 

you to transportation from this country for 21 years for your 

appalling crime. 

Guards! Take the prisoner away! 

If Ellis is found NOT GUILTY use the following: 

Judge: 

William Sherratt Ellis, this court has found you not guilty of the 

aforementioned crimes. You have been found to be innocent and 

you may leave the courtroom a free man. Release the prisoner! 

Judge: 

Court Usher: 

That concludes business for today. Court dismissed! 

All rise! 

Everyone stands up as the Judge leaves the room 

Court Usher: 

Court dismissed! 

71


Lesson 7 – What happened to William Ellis? 


• To understand why the case was 

important. 

• To find out what actually happened 

to William Ellis 

• To think again about the importance 

of the Charter - Did it fail? 

Evidence 

Resources 

Keywords 

Introduction 

• What happened to Ellis? Pupils to recall from court. 

• Teacher to recap on the events of the trial. 


• Finish Story board sheet from Lesson 4 

• Did Chartism fail? 

• Use ‘The Chartist’s Demands’ sheet from Lesson 1. Pupils to go through each 

point and see if we have these things today. 

• Class discussion - How do these answers fit in with the fact that so many 

Chartists went to prison and did not get what they wanted? 


• Big picture of Ellis from Lesson 3 


• Why did Chartism fail? 

72…


Lesson 7 – What happened to William Ellis? (cont.) 

Plenary 

• What can you add to the big picture of Ellis? 

• Complete final picture of the story board from Lesson 4. 

• Pupils to imagine they are Emma Ellis, William’s wife, writing a letter to a 

sympathetic friend. The letter should describe Emma’s last meeting with her 

husband before he left for Tasmania. Each group should consider the space 

where the meeting might have taken place and who else might have been 

present. Would Emma and William have spoken privately? How long would they 

have spent together? Pupils should continue the letter by exploring Emma’s fears 

for the future. How will the family manage financially? What sort of stigma will 

William’s transportation bring to the family? 

Homework 

• Summary of Ellis’s life and character and Chartism. Was William Ellis framed 

because he was a Chartist? 

73


What happened to William Ellis? 

William Ellis was found guilty of arson and was sentenced to be transported for 21 

years. This punishment was especially harsh because the authorities wanted to make 

an example of Ellis to discourage other Chartists from rioting and disrupting behaviour. 

He was transported to Tasmania (an island south of Australia) where he was expected 

to serve 3½ years on a chain gang as a labourer. However, after 18 months, he 

became a schoolmaster due to good behaviour and later worked as a clerk for the police 

force because of his rare ability to read and write. 

William had hoped that his wife and family would be able to join him in Tasmania while 

he served out his sentence but they were refused permission to travel by Stoke Poor 

Law Board. In 1849, after one of their daughters had died, William’s wife Emma 

emigrated to America with the rest of their children and lost touch with him. 

William was not free to leave Tasmania until 1863 but tried to escape the country with 

another convicted Chartist anyway. His escape attempt was punished with 6 months 

hard labour. 

In 1851 (after he had served that sentence), William once again became a potter – as 

well as a prominent member of the Tasmanian Union, an organisation of ex-convicts 

campaigning for equal rights. (The situation in Australia was similar to that in England 

and William still could not qualify for the vote as he did not have enough money or 

property.) 

In the 1850’s, William Ellis was charged with running off with another man’s wife and he, 

like many others, was banned from standing and speaking on public platforms. He was 

also found guilty of drunkenness and disorderly behaviour on several occasions and 

later remarried, probably without divorcing his first wife and making him a bigamist). 

By the time Ellis was a free man, he was so poor that he did not have enough money to 

get back to England. He made a living by writing letters for illiterate people and died on 

the 17th November 1871, aged 62. He was buried in a pauper’s grave. 

74…


Did you enjoy ‘Court in Action’? 

Name: 

School: 

Please tell us three things 

you enjoyed about your 

visit. 

1. 

2. 

3. 

What did you learn during 

your visit? 

1. 

2. 

3. 

What skills did you use 

during your visit ? 

1. 

2. 

3. 

What would have made 

your visit better? 

1. 

2. 

3. 

75


‘Court in Action’ Evaluation Sheet 

We’d love to know what you thought of our ‘Court in Action’ pack so we can continue to 

improve it. Was there anything else you would have liked to have had information 

about? Would you have liked more classroom resources or worksheets? Did you create 

any new activities based on this pack which you think we should include? Was there 

anything about ‘Court in Action’ that you didn’t like or found difficult to use? 

Name: 

School: 

Date of Visit: 

No. of pupils: 

Return to: 

By post: 

Jackie Bradbury, Education & Outreach Co-ordinator 

Staffordshire Arts and Museums Service, 3 rd Floor Tipping Street Stafford 

ST16 2LD 

By fax: 01785 278 156 

By e-mail: Jackie.bradbury@staffordshire.gov.uk 

76…


Recreating a trial at Court 1 

If you would like to hold your trial at the Shire Hall Gallery, please fill in the booking form 

on the next page to reserve your place. 

If you are unable to bring your class to the Shire Hall Gallery and would prefer to 

recreate the trial at your school, a handling collection and costumes are available for 

hire. Please contact Jackie Bradbury to discuss your requirements. 

• What does the visit to the Shire Hall Gallery involve? 

The visit is designed for a class of up to 35 pupils and their teachers/supervisory 

adults. A ratio of 1 adult to 8 pupils is recommended. 

• What does a visit cost? 

£50 per class for half a day (two hour session) 

£100 per class for a full day (3 ¾ hour session, including 30 minute lunchbreak) 

• What does that include? 

You can choose from the following options: 

Half day 

- Costumes for the judge and barristers 

- A half hour object handling session/visit to the holding cell 

- One and a half hours to set up and run through the trial (including a final 

discussion) 

Full day 

- Costumes for the judge and barristers 

- A ten minute tour of the outside of the building 

- A forty minute introduction to Court One (including character placement and 

development) 

- A half hour object handling session/visit to the holding cell 

- A half hour lunchbreak 

- One and a half hours to set up and run through the trial (including a final 

discussion) 

77


Court 1 Booking Form 

Please complete this form and return it to the address below no later than 10 days 

before your proposed visit. You will receive confirmation of your booking from us. 

Name: 

School or group: 

Address: 

Telephone: 

Fax: 

E-mail: 

Unit: 

Number of children attending: 

KS2: Trial of Elizabeth Buckley 

KS3: Trial of William Ellis 

Number of teachers/class supervisors: 

Proposed date of visit: 

Proposed arrival time 

Proposed departure time: 

Special Requirements: 

Return to: Jackie Bradbury, Education & Outreach Co-ordinator 

By post: Staffordshire Arts and Museums Service, 3 rd Floor Tipping Street Stafford 

ST16 2LD 

By fax: 01785 278 156 

78…


How to find us 

Court 1 is part of The Shire Hall Gallery, Market Square, Stafford. ST16 2LD. Car parks, 

bus stops and the train station are all within 5 minutes walk. Stafford is only 3 miles from 

the M6 (junction 13 or 14). 

Parking: 

Coaches and minibuses can use the ‘drop off’ area in front of the Gatehouse Theatre on 

Eastgate Street. The nearest coach park is the large car park by Sainsburys, Chell 

Street. Information on parking in Stafford is available from the Shire Hall Gallery or from 

Stafford Borough Council. 

Cloakroom: 

Bags and coats will be deposited in court 2 of the Shire Hall Gallery. The Gallery 

accepts no liability for loss or damage of valuables. 

Toilets: 

There is an adapted toilet available on the ground floor of the Shire Hall Gallery and 

further toilets are available at the Gallery entrance to the Library. 

Access and Equal Opportunities: 

Staffordshire County Council is committed to providing equal opportunities and a chair 

lift is available to provide access to the entrance of Court One (although due to the 

historic nature of the building only partial access to Court One is possible for wheelchair 

users). Guide and hearing dogs are very welcome. Please contact Jackie Bradbury to 

discuss any access queries prior to your visit. 

79


Notes 

80…


For further information on our educational resources or to arrange a visit to 

the Shire Hall Gallery please contact Jackie Bradbury, Education & 

Outreach Co-ordinator on 01785 278170 or by emailing 

Jackie.bradbury@staffordshire.gov.uk 

You can also visit our web site: - www.staffordshire.gov.uk/sams 

81

WilliamEllisKS3 - Staffordshire County Council

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