The Radical War of 1820

Police Spies, Government Spies, and Willing Informers

This book is a detailed account of the Radical War in 1820s Scotland, highlighting the conditions that led to the revolt, the reaction of the government, and the impact on Scottish society.

David Smale takes readers through the post-1815 mass unemployment, disaffection, and formation of radical groups calling for parliamentary reform, as a prelude to the Radical War. Using a wealth of archival material, this book readjusts existing narratives surrounding the conflict, shifting the focus away from the accounts of paid spies, and centering the little used records of the pioneering ‘new police’ force.

Smale examines how police activities impacted the revolt, from the contrasting aims of pro-reformer and pro-government publications released during the time, to the activities of five ‘spy groups’ who entered the radical milieu and provided authorities with intelligence on their activities. Concluding with the key events of the revolt, including the Battle of Bonnymuir, and exploring the its after effects, such as the Lord Advocate’s conflict with police – this volume provides comprehensive analysis of the Radical War, and places it within a pan-British context.

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