BattlefieldsGordon Riots Newgate Prison stormed 1780
modern

Gordon Riots Newgate Prison stormed 1780

1780
Middlesex, England
Era
modern
Battle Type
Pitched Battle
Location
Middlesex, England
Status
Unregistered
The Combatants

Who Fought

Defeated
Government/Military
Forces
Newgate prison staff and guards. Eventually regular army.
VS
Victor
Rioters
Forces
Protestant rioter crowds numbering thousands
Outcome
Newgate destroyed and prisoners freed. Military deployed. Approximately 285 killed in the riots overall. Gordon tried for treason but acquitted.
The Battle

History & Significance

Anti-Catholic rioters following Lord George Gordon stormed and burned Newgate Prison, releasing all prisoners including condemned felons. The attack was the single most violent action of the worst riots in London history. Military was eventually authorised to fire without magistrate sanction.

Questions & Answers

Frequently Asked Questions

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