On 19 July 1780, a judge announced a stay of execution for John Glover and Benjamin Bowsey, two Black or biracial men who had been sentenced to death for "riotous and tumultuous assembly; assaulting Newgate [prison] and setting loose the prisoners and setting fire to and destroying the prison". They had been arrested alongside many others during the Gordon riots, which were sparked by anti-Catholic sentiment but then exploded over economic concerns. Alongside other rioters, Glover and Bowsey were later offered a pardon on condition that they served in the British army in Africa.
Stay of execution for Black Gordon rioters - WCH | Stories
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