James HEATH after Francis WHEATLEY

The Riot in Broad Street on the Seventh of June 1780. To the Gentlemen of the London Light Horse Volunteers and Military Foot Association, This Memorial of their Patriotic Conduct is Inscribed by their Obliged Servants John and Josiah Boydell.

25 x 19 inches

Engaving by Heath after Wheatley, published by John & Josiah Boydell, 1790.

The infamous Gordon Riots of 1780, an outburst of anti-catholic feeling, led by Lord George Gordon. Many buildings were attacked and damaged, including The Clink, Newgate & Fleet Prisons, the Bank of England and the chapels of the Sardinian and Bavarian embassies. In response the army was called out, with orders to fire upon groups of four or more who refused to disperse. About 285 people were shot dead, another 200 wounded and around 450 arrested.