Description: It was started by young boys accidentally breaking a window of the Catholic Chapel in St. James's Parade. A number of people took action against a neighbour who attempted to admonish the boys, whereupon they destroyed the chapel's windows, doors and furnishing and burnt it down, along with six or seven adjoining houses. The Bath Militia tried to break up an 8,000 to 10,000 strong mob, killing one. The Riot Act was read and the Mayor and Corporation sent out for extra support from the regular army. Forty dragoons and assorted militia from further afield quelled mob. It was believed that some of the agitators were from London. It is now known as the Gordon Riots and the chapel is the Hope Chapel in St. James's Park.
Magazine cutting, 1780.