The burning of Newgate Gaol in June 1780 epitomised the grave violence of the Gordon Riots that year. Erupting in London on 2 June, tens of thousands fought against the proposed removal of anti-Catholic laws. On 6 June, the fourth day of the troubles, rioters attacked the infamous prison where several of their cohorts had been held during the protests, and left the penitentiary almost ruined. Scores of felons escaped, many never recaptured. Experts felt that Gordon’s anarchic flames were fanned by the failing War of American Independence, and a general sense of defeat and national revolt. Others have said they 'echoed’ the forthcoming French Revolution and even Bristol Reform Bill Riots of 1831. But it was the London outbreak where calamity struck hardest, witnessing attacks on Parliament, Bank of England, Catholic chapels, MPs private homes, tolls booths and beyond. It represents the capital’s worst violence, ending finally on 9 June 1780 but only after the army had moved in and hundreds of civilians had died. #history #authors #scanned #artdrawing #creatives #art #drawings #events #people #newgateprison #gordonriots
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