In 1829, there was a general depression in the iron Industry in Merthyr and there were cuts in wages this reverberated to Hirwaun and by then it was quite possible that Lewis Lewis was involved in the mining industry or the iron industry, he was partied to the terrible depression that followed 1829. As the depression hit Hirwaun many people they had to appear in Court of request in Merthyr, where they were then fined and the fine was usually paid by the removal of goods to the person who was in debt. In other words, Lewis Lewis was one of those and he lost a chest, which was taken to a shop in Hirwaun, when the riot started, Hirwaun was one of the first places attacked and Lewis was naturally involved, emotionally involved because a piece of furniture possible descended from his parents had been taken from him. It’s a small thing that triggers off a sequence of events and Lewis was involved there. But Lucin was prominent from then on in the Merthyr Riots. On June 2nd he was of the party that raided a hundred shops in Merthyr and removed goods and returned them to poor people.
After the riots: a great many of the arms have been restored, and it is expected that in the course of the week the whole will be given up, as the holders are only anxious to get rid of them without danger to themselves. Mr. H. Crawshay, of Hirwain, has received and restored 14 sabres, 2 muskets, 1 carbine, and 6 pistols.