the accession of George IV, he was retained to assist the Crown counsel on the trial of Queen Caroline.
The terrible Bristol Riots mainly caused by a Hastings Parliamentary Representative
In 1823, when Sir John Copley was appointed Attorney General, Wetherall succeeded to the office of Solicitor General, and was, as usual, knighted. In 1826, when Copley on the death of Gifford was promoted to the Rolls, Wetherall became Attorney-General, and on the 9th of June in that year, he, with Sir William Curtis was elected M. P. for Hastings by 10 jurats and 18 freemen. It was in January of that year that he became Attorney-General for the second time, he having previously resigned the office when Canning (who also had represented Hastings) became Prime Minister. He held it under the Wellington administration until 1829, when having refused to draw the Bill for the Relief of the Roman Catholics, he was dismissed.
When the Reform Bill was introduced he opposed it with vehement eloquence, and his action therein was unfavourably viewed by many of the Hastings people and more so by those of Bristol. He was, indeed, well nigh becoming a martyr to his faith in rotten boroughs. His last great effort in the way of fervid oratory was in what he himself designated "the last dying speech of the Member for Boroughbridge" which was blotted from the list of constituencies, after which, Sir Charles never sought admission into the Reform Parliament. He continued for some time in professional practice, but, as a rule, only in important cases. One of his latest being that of counsel for the King of Hanover in the trial for the Crown Jewels of that Kingdom. Sir Charles was twice married after his 60th year - firstly a daughter of Sir A. Croke, by whom he had a daughter, and secondly to a daughter of Col. Warneford, who, without family, survived him. He was also outlived by two brothers who were clergymen, and a sister, the wife of Mr. Spooner, M. P. for Birmingham. He died in 1846 at Preston Hall, Kent, the seat of Chas. Milner Esq., his death at the age of 76 being the effect of a severe accident. But to my story of Bristol riots which though a sorrowfully long one in details, shall be dealt with as concisely as possible.
By an ancient charter the Commission of Assizes has to be held by a Recorder who is also to be a skilful and experienced lawyer, together with the magistrates of the city. This commission at Bristol was opened on the 29th of October 1831, for Chas. Wetherall, M. P. being the Recorder as chief judge. There were more than 100 prisoners for trial and Sir Charles was very unpopular in consequence of his unmeasured language in opposition to the Reform Bill. A few days before the opening of the Assizes, a placard was posted on the walls, of which the following is an extract;
The Council of the Union has heard with feelings of surprise that the Corporation have obtained the assistance of armed troops for conducting Sir Charles Wetherall into the city...The Council think that a man clothed in the robes of magistracy ought not to be a politician, as such a magistrate cannot be expected to possess the public confidence, without which he will always be found incompetent to preserve the public peace. They would therefore recommend to the Corporation the immediate resignation of Sir Charles Wetherall as recorder, such being the best means to prevent riot. At the same time the Council earnestly recommmend members of the Union and Reformers in general at all times of popular excitement to use their most strenuous endeavours for the preservation of the public peace, as it is only by such a course that they will be able to obtain the right they seek"
At this time two troops of light Dragoons had been quartered at Clifton and one troop at Keynsham. On the morning of the 29th, they marched into the courtyard of the gaol and the interior of the Cattle Market. Sir Charles Wetherall was met by an escort of sherrifs, city officers and other persons on horseback. He was also attended by about 300 constables. He was followed by a considerable crowd, who hissed and hooted him all the was to the Guildhall, on leaving which for the Mansion House, the signs of displeasure became even more manifest. Towards evening, the crowd increased, when the Mayor appeared and threatened to read the Riot Act, which was responded to with a shower of missiles. The said Act was then read, and the troops sent for, which instead of allaying the tumult only served to increase it. The mob drove the constables -
