"
And indeed the Blackett colliery did at that time seem to be under a
cloud. Trade fell off, and almost every week hands were discharged.
Fairburn was secretly a little afraid of mischief from these
out-of-works, especially when he himself was absent from home.
Towards the end of February England was startled by the news that King
William had been thrown from his favourite steed Sorrel, at Hampton
Court, and was lying in a precarious state, his collar-bone broken. A
week or two later came the tidings of William's death, and of the
proclamation of the Princess Anne as Queen.
The news had an extraordinary effect on Mr. Blackett. Ordering his
coach, he drove in haste to his colliery, hoisted a big flag there,
proclaimed a holiday on full pay, and sent for a copious supply of
ale. His son Matthew, who had not gone back to school at York, amused
himself and the men by firing unnumbered salvoes from a couple of
small cannon he possessed.
"Now that Billy the Dutchman is out of the way," Squire Blackett cried
exultingly, "Whiggery will soon be dead, and England will be ruled by
its rightful sovereign, who will be assisted by lords and gentlemen of
sound policy."
A huge banner was hoisted, and the Squire and his son headed a
procession to the neighbouring villages.
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