Notice of a meeting for Local Defence funding

Notice of a meeting for Local Defence funding

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Partial / Incomplete Date c.1798
Area Mitcham
Copyright 1 London Borough of Merton
Picture Reference Mit_​TomFrancis_​Ln68
Original Format Photo
Notes / History During the Napoleonic war fears of a French invasion led many towns and cities to create their own volunteer forces and defence fundraising started in earnest.

In Mitcham, London banker Henry Hoare started an appeal fund. At just one meeting local residents donated £301, 18 shillings and 6 pence, a vast sum at the time. Further funds were sought over the next fortnight and the Mitcham vestry established a planning committee to defend the parish from the enemy.

The Mitcham Volunteers were formed with one cavalry and one infantry corps. Villagers showed great enthusiasm for drill and weaponry training but fortunately were never called into action.

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