I have been reading the London newspaper reports from the weeks following the Tranent massacre - or riots, as the papers have it. Lots of reports but many are simply repeating what they were fed by the Edinburgh press.
It was reported that about 8 "rioters" were taken away to Haddingon gaol and later to Edinburgh for trial. Somewher I read that a number of these prisoners were convicted and transported - and in 1797-8 that must have been to New South Wales.
So far I have not been able to track down any records of the trials, nor the lists of those who were tried. Can anyone help me there? My family may yet have a convict connection or two.
Incidentally, the Manchester Times and Gazette of Oct 28 1843 reprinted an article from Tait's Magazine which mentioned the "riots at Tranent" in the same context as a discussion of a "mock rebellion in the west". It remains a mystery that the people of Tranent and surrounds were dealt with so harshly when similar protests and actions were being managed relatively cleanly at numerous towns all over Scotland. Perhaps the Battle of Prestonpans was still a sore spot for many of the people in power, even after the passage of 52 years.
Cheers,
Gerry
