Following last week’s pledge by Stamfordian vigilantes to stop the bull running, the Mercury was pleased to report that no recurrence of this practice was seen.
“Friday last. the anniversary of the ancient and disgraceful bull-running at Stamford, passed over without the introduction of any bull into the town, and with a full observance of the pledge given to the magistrates by a large number of respectable inhabitants, that they would perambulate the streets, and present any breach of order. Friday and Saturday passed over quietly. Thus a large expense for the usual provision of special constables and other arrangements was saved to the rate-payers; and all parties now congratulate themselves on the abolition of a nuisance, and the redemption of the town from the discredit of a savage and odious practice, which afforded no real ‘sport’ to any body, but was continued only from a spirit of opposition to civilisation. The few persons miscalled ‘respectable’ who have covertly abetted outrage, are now ashamed to be known as the isolated friends of barbarism, and will soon merge in the great mass of society in Stamford who have set their hands to the pledge of peace and order. A great triumph has been obtained; not through the coercion of authority, but through the good sense of the people, left to their own spontaneous means of vindicating the law; and most heartily to we congratulate the town on the happy result.”
The Stamford Mercury, 20th November, 1840.