BattlefieldsGordon Riots — Newgate Prison stormed 1780
modern

Gordon Riots — Newgate Prison stormed 1780

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

Who Fought

Defeated
Prison authorities
Forces
Newgate prison staff and guards; eventually regular army
VS
Victor
Rioters
Forces
Protestant rioter mobs numbering thousands
Outcome
Newgate destroyed and prisoners freed; military eventually deployed; approximately 285 killed in riots overall; Gordon tried for treason but acquitted
The Battle

History & Significance

Anti-Catholic rioters led by followers of Lord George Gordon stormed and burned Newgate Prison, releasing prisoners including condemned felons; the attack was the most violent single action of the worst riots in London's history

Questions & Answers

Frequently Asked Questions

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