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Crowds: The Decline of Disorder

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The Rise and Fall of Radical Westminster, 1780–1890

Part of the book series: Studies in Modern History ((SMH))

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Abstract

On the afternoon of 10 May 1784, near the close of the election contest for Westminster Nicholas Casson, a constable, was struck on the head with a large stick, allegedly by Patrick Nicholson. The Irish labourer and four others were later accused of hitting Casson several more times while he lay on the ground; the perpetrators then ‘got upon his body, trampled upon him, and broke three of his ribs’. What began as a scuffle between two men then became a battle between two mobs. Intervention by constables merely generated more violence, the disturbance ending only after the military intervened. Casson died the following morning from the injuries he sustained.

What a whimsy to think we shall mend our spare diet / By breeding disturbance, by murder and riot!

Hannah More, The Riot (1795)

Gentlemen, I wish to know whether you want a riot or an election?

Richard Brinsley Sheridan (1806)

No vision inspires the destructive character.

Walter Benjamin, ‘The Destructive Character’ (1955)

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Notes

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    Marc Baer (Professor of History)

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Baer, M. (2012). Crowds: The Decline of Disorder. In: The Rise and Fall of Radical Westminster, 1780–1890. Studies in Modern History. Palgrave Macmillan, London. https://doi.org/10.1057/9781137035295_5

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