Gordon Riots 1780 Collection

Encampment on Blackheath, Greenwich, London, 1780. Artist: Paul Sandby
View of an army encampment on Blackheath, Greenwich, London, 1780. Showing a windmill on the right and soldiers playing cards with a farmer in front

A Military Camp in St. James Park During the Gordon Riots, 1780, c1783, (1944). Troops were stationed in St Jamess Park, Westminster, London, as a response to the Gordon Riots

Burning of Newgate, 1780, (c1872). Creator: Unknown
Burning of Newgate, 1780, (c1872). Newgate Prison in London was stormed by a mob during the Gordon riots in June 1780. The building was gutted by fire, and the walls were badly damaged

The Riot in Broad Street, June 7th, 1780, (1920). Artist: James Heath
The Riot in Broad Street, June 7th, 1780, 1920. From Londoners Then and Now As Pictured By Their Contemporaries, edited by Geoffrey Holme. [The Studio Ltd. London, 1920]

Army encampment in St Jamess Park, Westminster, London, 1780. Troops were stationed in St Jamess Park in the aftermath of the Gordon Riots

Army camp in Hyde Park, London, c1780. View of an army camp in Hyde Park which was set up as a response to the Gordon Riots in 1780

Army camp in Hyde Park, London, 1780. Artist
Army camp in Hyde Park, London, 1780. View of an army camp in Hyde Park which was set up as a response to the Gordon Riots in 1780

Old Bailey, Newgate Prison, London, 1780
View of rioters setting fire to Newgate Prison, London in 1780 during the Gordon Riots. Various banners can be seen with anti-Papist statements on them

Gordon Riots, Newgate Prison, London, 1780. Artist: Thornton
View of rioters setting fire to Newgate Prison, London, 1780 and burning Mr Akermans furniture. In the crowd on the right a flag is held with the writing No Popery on it

No Popery or Newgate Reformer... 1780. A villainous looking man, believed to be Ned Dennis, wearing a No Popery favour in his hat, holds a cudgel raised to his left

Anti-Catholic Gordon Riots, London, 6-7 June 1780. A mob setting fire to Newgate Prison and freeing prisoners. Lord George Gordon, a retired navy lieutenant

The Gordon Riots, London, 1780 (1905). The most destructive riots in Londons history, the Gordon Riots began as an anti-Catholic protest against the Papists Act of 1778 led by Lord George Gordon

Barnaby Rudge, c19th century. Largely set during the Gordon Riots of 1780, Barnaby Rudge: A Tale of the Riots of Eighty is a historical novel by British novelist Charles Dickens (1812-1870)

A Study for The Gordon Riots, 1879 (1899). A print from The Magazine of Art, Cassell and Company, Limited, 1899

Anti-Catholic Gordon Riots, London, 7 June 1780. A mob setting fire to Kings Bench Prison. Lord George Gordon, a retired navy lieutenant, was strongly opposed to proposals for Catholic emancipation

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"The Gordon Riots of 1780: A Fiery Chapter in London's History" In the summer of 1780, London was engulfed in chaos and violence as a series of protests turned into one of the most infamous riots in British history. Known as the Gordon Riots, these events were sparked by anti-Catholic sentiment and political unrest. The rioters set up an encampment on Blackheath, Greenwich, where they gathered to voice their grievances against Catholic emancipation. The scene was captured by artist Paul Sandby, who depicted the tense atmosphere that permeated the camp. Another painting by an unknown creator showcased a military camp in St. James Park during the height of the riots. It portrayed soldiers stationed amidst turmoil and uncertainty, highlighting their role in maintaining order during this tumultuous period. One particularly striking image depicted the burning of Newgate Prison—an iconic symbol of authority—in 1780. The flames consumed not only bricks and mortar but also represented a rebellion against perceived injustice. James Heath's artwork vividly portrayed "The Riot in Broad Street" on June 7th, capturing both protesters' fury and bystanders' fear as chaos erupted throughout London's streets. Various army encampments sprung up across Westminster and Hyde Park to quell the unrest. These temporary bases housed troops tasked with restoring peace to a city teetering on the edge of anarchy. Newgate Prison became a focal point for rioters seeking retribution against those they deemed responsible for their grievances. Artist Thornton immortalized this momentous event through his depiction of Newgate Prison during its darkest hours. Amidst all this turmoil, satirical prints emerged mocking both sides involved in these events. One such print titled "No Popery or Newgate Reformer. . " encapsulated public sentiment towards Catholics while reflecting societal divisions prevalent at that time. These anti-Catholic riots lasted from June 6th to 7th, leaving a lasting impact on London's history.