1832
"the first election under the act, December 1832...... "did not pass off very peaceably for on the day of nomination, at Stoke, whilst Mr Davenport was addressing the electors, missiles were profusely thrown into the hustings, which inflicted some severe contusions on several gentlemen, and drove the candidates and their friends to seek shelter in the adjoining Town Hall; and, on the afternoon of the first day of polling, at Lane End, the mob proceeded to demolish the windows of the Crown and Anchor Inn, where Mr Davenport's committee were assembled; and that gentleman was indebted for his personal safety to an escort formed by the more respectable portion of the friends of the adverse candidates. Several of the houses and manufactories at Lane End, belonging to those who espoused Mr Davenport's cause, were likewise attacked at night, and the windows demolished by the lawless mob. At Hanley too, on the second day, when Mr Davenport's success became certain, the enraged populace proceeded to similar outrages; but, at the two other polling places, Stoke and Burslem, where Mr Davenport's interest preponderated, perfect tranquillity prevailed." 

The Crown & Anchor Inn (now Crown Hotel), by the railway bridge
in Lane End

The Inn on the left where the Chartist rioters smashed the windows and through the railway bridge can be seen the Town Hall where Mr. Davenport (parliamentary candidate) and his committee had to seek refuge. 

1837
"We wish we could pass over the events of this election without being compelled to speak of the disgraceful scenes to which it gave rise... As soon as it was known to the populace at Lane End, that Messrs Bridges and Sheridan were defeated, much ill humour was manifested there; and in the evening, the mob commenced breaking the windows of the houses and manufactories belonging to the friends of the successful candidates, at an appalling rate; and not only windows, but shutters, doors etc fell before their fury; large blugeons were used by the rioters in their lawless proceedings. The violence and rapidity of the attack spread consternation among the inhabitants and the police and special constables became entirely powerless. The police office fell beneath the attacks of the assailants, who liberated a notorious character confined in it on a charge of felony. Their outrageous proceedings did not cease until after midnight, and the next morning several acting magistrates came to the scene of the riots one of whom, Captain Powis, was attacked in a most brutal manner by a desperate character who was protected by his associates."

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