BattlefieldsWilkes St George's Fields Massacre 1768
modern

Wilkes St George's Fields Massacre 1768

1768
Surrey, England
Era
modern
Battle Type
Pitched Battle
Location
Surrey, England
Status
Unregistered
The Combatants

Who Fought

Forces
Not recorded in historical accounts
Forces
3rd Foot Guards soldiers and magistrates.
VS
Victor
Not recorded in historical accounts
Forces
Wilkite crowds numbering thousands
Outcome
Seven killed. Soldiers prosecuted but largely acquitted. Wilkes released and elected to Parliament. The massacre inflamed Wilkite radicalism and became a touchstone of English radical politics.
The Battle

History & Significance

Supporters of John Wilkes rioted outside the King's Bench Prison where Wilkes was held. Soldiers of the 3rd Foot Guards fired on the crowd at St George's Fields killing at least seven people in what became known as the St George's Fields Massacre.

Questions & Answers

Frequently Asked Questions

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