Captain Swing in Kent
John Bulaitis
- Regions:
- London, South East, East of England
- Notice Period:
- Regular (more than one month's notice)
- Fee:
- Paid: £50 - £80
- Category:
- History
- Updated:
- 28th March 2026
- Tagged:
- 1830 1880 | Agricultural History | Kent | Captain Swing
The Swing 'riots' of 1830-31 were the biggest and most extensive uprising by rural workers in English history. Protesting against poverty, lack of work and general social degradation, workers - often supported by small farmers and rural craftspeople - broke threshing machines, set fire to barns and stacks, and organised work stoppages and demonstrations. Their movement was met with brutal repression - executions, transportations and imprisonment with hard labour. 'Swing' was a national movement but its genesis was Kent. As the bi-centenary of Swing approaches, this lecture takes a fresh look at events in that County, and how they influenced the wider movement.
Views: 11 | Enquiries: 0About John Bulaitis
My most recent book, The Tithe War in England and Wales, 1881- 1936, was joint winner of the 2025 prize for the best book on rural history, awarded by the British Agricultural History Society.. I taught Modern History for 15 years at Canterbury Christ Church University. Previously I held posts at the University of Suffolk and the University of Essex. I also taught at Queen Mary (University of London), Royal Holloway, Birkbeck College, London South Bank University and the Open University. I have published three books, including on The Tithe War. I speak regularly at local history societies and community organisations in Kent and beyond. I am a trustee of Brook Rural Museum and Chair of Shepherdswell with Coldred History Society. I am also a member of the Advisory Council of Kent Archaeological Society. You can find more information at my website: www.johnbulaitis.net
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