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| | Hampden Clubs |
 | | One of these clubs was established in 1816, at the small town of Middleton, near Manchester; and I, having been instrumental in its formation, a tolerable reader also, and rather expert writer, was chosen secretary. |
 | | The club prospered, the number of men increased, the funds raised by contributions of a penny a week became more than sufficient for all out-goings, and taking a bold step, we soon rented a chapel which had been given up by a society of Kilhamite Methodists. |
 | | Among the persons taken into custody, under the suspension of the habeas corpus act, was the weaver poet, Samuel Bamford, who was apprehended and handcuffed at Middleton, by Nadin, the deputy-constable of Manchester, and six or eight police officers, all of whom were well armed with staves, pistols and blunderbusses. |
| www.spartacus.schoolnet.co.uk /PRhampden.htm (847 words) |
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