William Binns Eyewitness Account

• Place: Bury
• Role: Demonstrator

Helped to make red flag for Bury procession. Was asked to paint flag yellow, but did not have paint. Made ‘fleur de lis’ ornament for the top of the flagpole.

Account

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Date: 24^th March 1820

Source: Trial of Henry Hunt 153

Summary: Helped to make red flag for Bury procession. Was asked to paint flag yellow, but did not have paint. Made ‘fleur de lis’ ornament for the top of the flagpole.

Done by: RH

 

William Binns, examined by Mr. Hunt—Had to do with the making of a flag for the Bury people. He made an ornament for the top of it of a piece of tin, in the form of a ‘fleur de lis’. Was employed to paint it yel­low. Had not much time on his hands, and he painted it red.

Here witness gave in a drawing of the ‘fleur de lis’, which was handed round to the Jury.

Witness said he had no yellow paint, and so in the emergency he painted it red, thinking it could be of no consequence. This was the only reason for painting if red.

Cross examined by Mr. Scarlett —Did not publish his reason in a new paper. Had made the drawing since from recollection.

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