1787 ROBERT DICKINSON, (Hosier).

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Son of Robert and Mary Dickinson of Ashby de la Zouch where he was born in 1742. He was admitted a free burgess of Leic. as a "stranger" by order of the Hall 26 July 1775, chosen one of the chamberlains 1776 and an alderman shortly afterwards.

During his mayoralty, 1 December 1787, a serious riot broke out in the town, owing to the introduction of machinery in certain spinning factories, when a mob of drunken and infuriated people broke into the residence and business premises of Mr. Joseph Whetstone in Northgate Street, doing considerable damage to his property and machinery. Ald. Dickinson, as mayor, endeavoured to suppress the rioters by courteous advice, but not succeeding in the attempt and being hustled, he was compelled to read the Riot Act and whilst so engaged he received a severe injury on the head with a stone, from which he never thoroughly recovered. His death took place at the close of his year of office 25 September 1788, aged forty-six, and his remains were laid to rest a few days later beside those of his parents in the churchyard of Ashby de la Zouch, where this inscription is still to be seen on a mural table in the church :-

"In memory of Robert Dickinson, esq.

He was one of the aldermen of the borough of Leicester and died in his Mayoralty, Sept. 25, 1788, aged 46.

This monument was erected at the expense of Mr. John Dickinson of Pontefract in Yorkshire."