Bristol Riots,1831
One of the most serious disturbances took place in Bristol. Although the city had been represented in the House of Commons since 1295, by 1830 just over 6,000 of the 104,000 population had the vote. On 31st October 1831, a large crowd protested against the decision of the House of Lords to defeat the Reform Act by burning down 100 houses, including the Bishop's Palace, the Custom House and the Mansion House. The mob looted and burnt unpopular citizens' houses and released prisoners from the gaols. The Dragoons attacked the crowd and hundreds were killed and severely wounded.
Approximately 100 of those involved were tried in January 1832 by Chief Justice Tindal. Four men were hanged despite a petition of 10,000 Bristolian signatures, which was given to King William IV.
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