The Rebecca Riots in west Wales began in the summer of 1839. They ceased as suddenly as they had started, and for three and a half years the countryside was undisturbed. Then, in the winter of 1842, they broke out again with greater violence. By day the countryside seemed quiet, but at night fantastically disguised horsemen, many dressed as women, careered along highways and through narrow lanes on their mysterious errands. The movement has been unusually been represented as the uprising of an oppressed peasantry, particularly against the burden of the toll-gates. Its causes, however, were far more deep-seated than that.

About the Author
David Williams died in 1978. He lived and worked in Aberystwyth at the University of Wales, Aberystwyth as well as in Cardiff. He was born in Lan-y-Cefn, Pembrokeshire in 1900. He was the doyen of Welsh historians, publishing numerous classic history books.

Reviews
"It is safe to say that Professor Williams's excellently written and dispassionate account of the riots and their background is likely to remain the final word on the subject." -Times Literary Supplement



Book Information
ISBN 9780708323960
Author David Williams
Format Paperback
Page Count 256
Imprint University of Wales Press
Publisher University of Wales Press
Weight(grams) 522g