On 29th May 1838 an adventurer named John Nichols Thom, but calling himself Sir William Courtenay led a group of followers around the countryside in Dunkirk protesting at low wages and lack of work. Mindful of the recent Swing Riots eight years before a warrant for Courtenay's arrest was signed. The parish constable tried to effect the arrest but one of his party was shot dead by the rioters. A detachment of the 45th Foot was sent after the group and trapped them in Bossenden Farm Wood. After a short battle eight of the rioters, including Courtenay lay dead and the rest were arrested.