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West End riots: mob in St James street, 1886
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West End riots: mob in St James street, 1886
A mob in St James Street, opposite the new university club. Following at an open air meeting of unemployed East End dock workers and artisans in Trafalgar Square, the people were stirred to violence following incendiary speeches, and rioted, causing havoc in the fashionable streets of the West End. Date: 1886
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Media ID 14395870
© Illustrated London News Ltd/Mary Evans
1886 Demonstration Ducking Jun16 Riot Rioting Riots University Violence
EDITORS COMMENTS
In this striking image from 1886, a chaotic scene unfolds in the heart of London's West End, as a mob of angry demonstrators wreak havoc in the once fashionable streets surrounding St James Street. The photograph captures the moment of heightened tension, as the crowd, composed mainly of unemployed East End dock workers and artisans, gathers outside the New University Club, following an open-air meeting in Trafalgar Square. The day had begun with a peaceful demonstration in the square, where speakers had addressed the gathering, fueling the crowd's frustration and anger towards the government and the economic conditions that had left them jobless and destitute. As tempers flared, the situation quickly spiraled out of control, leading to widespread violence and destruction. The photograph offers a glimpse into the chaos that ensued, with the mob, now a dangerous and unruly force, clashing with the authorities and causing havoc in the streets. The image captures the raw emotion and intensity of the moment, as the crowd hurls objects and engages in acts of vandalism, while the police attempt to restore order. The scene in St James Street stands in stark contrast to the tranquil and elegant surroundings of the West End, highlighting the deep-rooted social and economic tensions that were simmering beneath the surface of Victorian London. The photograph serves as a poignant reminder of the turbulent history of the city and the struggles faced by its working-class population during this period.
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