1-156-021 - Ann Ronan Picture Library/Heritage-Images

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. On 2nd June, 1780, Gordon led a crowd of 50,000 people to the House of Commons to present a petition for the repeal of the 1778 Roman Catholic Relief Act, that had removed certain disabilities. This demonstration turned into a riot and for the next five days many Catholic chapels and private houses were destroyed. Buildings attacked and damaged included the Bank of England, King's Bench Prison, Newgate Prison and Fleet Prison.