The burning of Newgate Gaol in June 1780 epitomised the grave violence of the Gordon Riots that year. Erupting in London on 2 June, tens of thousands fought against the proposed removal of anti-Catholic laws. On 6 June, the fourth day of the troubles, rioters attacked the infamous prison where several of their cohorts had been held during the protests, and left the penitentiary almost ruined. Scores of felons escaped, many never recaptured. Experts felt that Gordon’s anarchic