New novel recounts Coventry petition that saved weaver in 1831

Author Sarah Thornton is bringing to life the historic story of how thousands of Coventry residents united in November 1831 to save a local silk weaver from execution, the Coventry Telegraph reported. [1][3]

Thomas Burbury was 21 years old when he attended a workers' meeting that descended into violence, resulting in the burning of Josiah Beck's mill and the severe beating of a factory owner. As HEROIC BREAKING NEWS reported earlier, Burbury was convicted as a ringleader and sentenced to death following the incident. [1][3]

The Coventry Telegraph reported that Thornton believes Burbury may have actually stepped in to prevent the factory owner from being beaten to death. Following the conviction, thousands of Coventrians and the city's then Member of Parliament, Edward 'The Bear', signed petitions that successfully commuted his death sentence. [1][3]

Thornton is publishing the novel based on the life of her ancestor, detailing the community effort that saved him from the gallows. [1][3]