HISTORY looks set to repeat itself in Droitwich, as one of the independent campaigners Mark Heel is the grandson of James "Gorey" Bourne one of 12 men charged with rioting against local politics.

Rioting broke out outside the Wagon and Horses Inn, now the Hereford House Butchers shop, on Friday, January 29, 1910 because of the result of the local election.

Conservative candidate John Lyttelton beat Liberal candidate Cecil Harmsworth, but the town's salt workers believed if the Liberals did not win, then free trade would decline damaging the town's industry.

They also believed Mr Lyttleton was in the pocket of "Salt King" John Corbett, who had threatened to cut wages and import subsidised salt.

The riot kicked off with a stone being thrown through the window of a shop displaying a picture of the Conservative candidate.

One hundred policeman were drafted into the city and during a second night of unrest, the Mayor, Alderman Jackson Gadd read the Riot Act by the light of a candle held by a police officer.

Twelve people were arrested and charged with rioting including Mr Bourne and John Sankey another salt-maker quoted as the ring leader.

All 12 were discharged.

Mr Heel said the "Gorey" part of his grandfather's name was a family nickname which all the salt workers were given. "Gorey" stood for the goring action of the bull, because of the family's fiery temperament.

"Some of the older folks in the town have said this is a characteristic I've got in common," said Mr Heel.