One hundred years ago
London, usually so tranquil, has been excited and alarmed this week by a most serious riot. A meeting of the unem- ployed had been called on Monday, in Trafalgar Square, and was largely attended by decent poor men . . . but the platforms were stormed by another body, known as the 'Revolutionary Social Democratic League,' a small society of violent Socialistic principles . . . The unemployed workmen de- parted quietly home, but the Socialist crowd, aided by a throng of roughs and criminals, made a rush on property, stoning the clubs in Pall Mall, breaking the shop-windows in Piccadilly, and wrecking shops in South Audley Street, and Oxford Street from the Circus to Marble Arch. No one was killed, but several shops were plundered, a really large amount of wilful damage was done. Spectator, 13 February 1886
Previous page
