'The Riot in Broad Street on the Seventh of June 1780'

Coloured line engraving by James Heath, after Francis Wheatley, published by John and Josiah Boydell, 1790. Inscribed '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 & Josiah Boydell'.

The Gordon Riots in London were anti-Catholic unrest caused by Lord George Gordon of the Protestant Association and popular fear of Britain's Catholic enemies France and Spain. After widespread looting and attacks on the Bank of England, Newgate Prison and foreign embassies, soldiers fired on rioters who refused to disperse, leaving over 300 dead. The incident highlighted the need for a police force.