And here’s another example of tollgate destruction, in Cardiff, Wales, that doesn’t fit into the Rebecca Riot timeline: from the Weekly Mail:
Another Gate Demolished.
The hostile action of the inhabitants of Lower Grangetown on had not the effect upon the managers of the Taff Vale Railway Company which many persons anticipated. It was evidently the opinion of the indignant workmen who demolished the gate on that the company would refrain from putting further obstacles in the way of those persons who daily used the bridge connecting the Docks with the district of Lower Grange, and that an amicable settlement would be arrived at. So far from this being the case, the action taken by the company on would imply that they are determined to stand on their legal rights. The gate that was so ruthlessly destroyed on was re-placed by the workmen of the Taff Vale Company during , and a sentry-box was also erected for the convenience of the toll-gatherer. This structure met the eyes of the workmen who proceeded to their employment at an early hour, and though the begrudged penny was paid by the majority, a tacit understanding to repeat the performance of was quickly come to. No incident of special interest transpired during , but an attempt to convey passengers over by a speculative milkman in an ordinary milk cart proved a failure, as the vehicle was unlicensed to carry passengers. The occupants had, therefore, to descend and pay the toll. Shortly after small groups of workmen congregated round the gate and hut of the toll-collector, till over a hundred had assembled. The men were in the utmost good humour, and jokes and witticisms were launched at the expense of the collector before hostilities were commenced. The gate was kept closed, but, a break with passengers desiring to pass, the gate-keeper was obliged to open it. The plan of procedure had been well-arranged by the men, for immediately a body of ship carpenters placed themselves behind the gate, their companions putting their backs to it, and thus preventing the gate from being closed. The Boycotted gate-keeper, imagining that lively proceedings were about to commence, at once proceeded to pack up, and quickly took his departure. The ship carpenters in the meanwhile had produced their tools, and in the space of a few minutes the gate was taken off its hinges, and, by the combined efforts of many willing volunteers, was, like its predecessor, thrown over the bridge into the river, its disappearance under the water being the signal for a hearty cheer. The number of persons present at this time was about a thousand. Whilst the demolition of the gate was being proceeded with another party had commenced operations on the wooden structure that had been erected for the convenience of the toll-keeper. This house gave much trouble to the destroyers. It had evidently been built to stand rough usage, and it was a long time before it fell before the heavy onslaught made upon it. Four huge gateposts still remained before the structure was completely destroyed, and the attention of the volunteers was quickly turned to them. The first post was with difficulty taken down, but the others quickly followed, for the first was utilised as a battering-ram, and in a short time the four posts were in the river floating with the tide. It may be asked. Where were the police during the course of these lively proceedings? But it might be stated that an arrangement had been come to between the Taff Vale Company and the Head-Constable that the police should not be any party to the collection of tolls. The police were only to be present for the purpose of preventing a breach of the peace. Inspector Lewis and a small body of constables remained on duty until late in the afternoon. At about , however, a large crowd congregating, assistance was sent for to the central station, and Superintendent Price, with Inspectors Harris and Tamblyn and a number of constables, proceeded to the bridge. By the time they arrived on the scene the damage had been committed, and, as the crowd was orderly and good-tempered, they shortly afterwards withdrew. It is expected that the Taff Vale Company will erect another gate , and that the toll will be again demanded . A meeting was held by the malcontents after the work of demolition had been completed, when it was arranged that they should meet in force at .
Other articles on the same page of the same issue go into the background of the toll and of the construction of the bridge, and why the toll seemed to sneak up on people and surprise and exasperate them, and why the Cardiff town authorities seemed to be so hapless in dealing with the problem.
