BattlefieldsGordon Riots Fleet Prison burned 1780
modern

Gordon Riots Fleet Prison burned 1780

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

Who Fought

Defeated
Fleet Prison authorities
Forces
Fleet Prison staff. Metropolitan magistracy unable to act decisively.
VS
Victor
Anti-Catholic rioter crowds
Forces
Anti-Catholic rioter crowds
Outcome
Fleet Prison destroyed. Rebuilding required. Government response eventually authorised soldiers to fire on crowds without magistrate order.
The Battle

History & Significance

Fleet Prison was attacked and burned by Gordon rioters releasing debtors and other prisoners. The attack formed part of the systematic destruction of London prison infrastructure during six days of rioting in June 1780.

Questions & Answers

Frequently Asked Questions

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