When electioneering turned to rioting in Gwent
Succeeding years gave everyone the right to vote and this year's election granting 16 year olds voting rights for the first time adds further speculation on the outcome. In the 1800s some disgruntled voters conveniently ignoring a democratic choice and enlivened by too much to drink, became an unruly mob and in one instance local magistrates were forced to step in to quell a riot. At the Prince of Wales Hotel in Pontypool in the 1841 general election a rebellious band of voters described as "a beer stained mob" threatened the landlord, who was a loyal Conservative supporter. Confronte...
Source: southwalesargus.co.uk
