Rebecca Riots
(1839-1843)

thing and riot

Died aged c. 4

The Rebecca Riots (Welsh: Terfysgoedd Beca) took place between 1839 and 1843 in West and Mid Wales. They were a series of protests undertaken by local farmers and agricultural workers in response to levels of taxation. The rioters, often men dressed as women, took their actions against toll-gates, as they were tangible representations of taxes and tolls. The rioters went by the name of 'Merched Beca' which translates directly from Cymraeg as Rebecca's Daughters. The riots ceased prior to 1844 due to several factors, including increased troop levels, a desire by the protestors to avoid violence and the appearance of criminal groups using the guise of the biblical character Rebecca for their own purposes. In 1844 an Act of Parliament to consolidate and amend the laws relating to turnpike trusts in Wales was passed.

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Commemorated on 4 plaques

Tollgate. Site of the tollgate attacked by Rebecca on September 10th 1843. The gate was dropped down the nearby Colliery

English translation:

107 Felinfoel Road, Llanelli, United Kingdom where it occurred (1843)

Ymosod ar y tloty Merched Becca 1843. The Rebecca Riots workhouse attack

The Carmarthen Workhouse, Carmarthen, United Kingdom where it occurred (1843)

Gory mdaith y ffaglau Merched Becca 1843 The Rebecca Riots torchlit demonstration

English translation:

, Carmarthen, United Kingdom where it occurred (1843)

South gate 1799. Rhayader's only toll gate to survive intact the Rebecca Riots 1843

, Rhayader, United Kingdom where it occurred (1843)