on 6 april 1837, the 3rd marquess of waterford and his hunting party went on a "spree" through the streets of melton, causing much damage. this event was recorded in the "london examiner". henry alken's pictures "a spree at melton mowbray" and "larking at the grantham tollgate" are said to illustrate the event. the events were depicted in a play called "the meltonians" at the theatre royal, drury lane in 1838.