Trafalgar Square Riots

A series of disturbances in London in 1887. Meetings, nominally of unemployed, were held in Trafalgar Square, and addre ed by well-known Socialist leaders, among others John Burns and Cunning ham-Grahame. As these meetings led to disorder and obstruction of the traffic, they were prohibited by Sir Charles Warren, the Chief Commi ioner of Police. The Socialists insisted on their right to hold the meetings, and the disturbances culminated on Sunday, November 13th, when a number of proce ions on their way to the Square were broken up by the police, and their leaders arrested, severe fighting taking place at several points. This, however, ended the rioting, as no further attempts were made to hold the prohibited meetings.