BattlefieldsGordon Riots — Fleet Prison burned 1780
modern

Gordon Riots — Fleet Prison burned 1780

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

Who Fought

Forces
Not recorded in historical accounts
Forces
Fleet Prison staff; metropolitan magistracy unable to act decisively
VS
Victor
Not recorded in historical accounts
Forces
Anti-Catholic rioter mobs
Outcome
Fleet Prison destroyed; rebuilding required; government response eventually authorised soldiers to fire on crowds
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's penal infrastructure during six days of rioting in June 1780

Questions & Answers

Frequently Asked Questions

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