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Anti-Catholic Gordon Riots, London, 7 June 1780
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Anti-Catholic Gordon Riots, London, 7 June 1780
Anti-Catholic Gordon Riots, London, 7 June 1780. A mob setting fire to Kings Bench Prison. Lord George Gordon, a retired navy lieutenant, was strongly opposed to proposals for Catholic emancipation. On 2nd June, 1780, Gordon led a crowd of 50, 000 people to the House of Commons to present a petition for the repeal of the 1778 Roman Catholic Relief Act, that had removed certain disabilities. This demonstration turned into a riot and for the next five days many Catholic chapels and private houses were destroyed. Buildings attacked and damaged included the Bank of England, Kings Bench Prison, Newgate Prison and Fleet Prison
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Media ID 14847022
© Ann Ronan Picture Library / Heritage-Images
Anarchy Arson Burning Confrontation Destruction Disorder Gordon Gordon Riots 1780 Lord George Penitentiary Prison Prisoner Protestantism Religious Persecution Riot Rioter Rioting St Georges Fields Ann Ronan Pictures Kings Bench Prison Lord George Gordon
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EDITORS COMMENTS
This print captures the chaotic scene of the Anti-Catholic Gordon Riots that engulfed London on 7th June 1780. The image showcases a mob in an intense confrontation, setting fire to Kings Bench Prison amidst billowing smoke and burning debris. Lord George Gordon, a retired navy lieutenant vehemently opposed to Catholic emancipation, led this riotous uprising. The photograph transports us back to a time when religious tensions ran high, as Protestantism clashed with Catholicism. Lord George Gordon's rally initially intended as a peaceful petition for the repeal of certain Catholic rights quickly spiraled into five days of destruction and rebellion across the city. In addition to Kings Bench Prison, notable buildings such as the Bank of England, Newgate Prison, and Fleet Prison fell victim to arson attacks by rioters seeking retribution against perceived religious persecution. This image serves as a stark reminder of the lawlessness and anarchy that prevailed during these tumultuous times. The location depicted is St George's Fields in London—a site transformed into a battleground where cries for justice mingled with chaos. As we observe this historical moment frozen in time through monochrome lensing, we are reminded of both the destructive power unleashed by human emotions and the enduring struggle for religious freedom. Lord George Gordon's role in igniting these riots remains etched within history—an indelible mark left upon our collective memory from which lessons can be learned about tolerance and understanding amidst differing beliefs.
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