200th Anniversary of the Spa Fields Riots

Clerkenwell and Islington Guides have teamed up with the Islington Museum to commemorate the 200th anniversary of Islington’s historic Spa Field Riots with two free guided walks.

When: Saturday 26th November 2016 11am

Saturday 3rd December 2016 11am

Where: Meet in the foyer of The Islington Museum

245, St John St, London, EC1V 4NB

Duration: 1 hour

Cost: FREE

In 1815, poems and novels had celebrated the British victory at Waterloo; and its hero – Wellington was immortalised in cities, suburbs and streets. One year later 1816 became a year of revolution. In a war-impoverished Britain, Spa Fields (today one of Islington’s peaceful parks) became the scene of protest meetings involving riot and death.

In conjunction with the Commit Outrage display at the Islington Museum, which commemorates the 200th anniversary of the Spa Field Riots, Clerkenwell and Islington Guides are leading two free 1 hour walks around the Spa Fields area. The walks will describe the revolutionary events that occurred and the harsh reality of life at the time. Find out more about the colourful characters involved in the riots – Henry ‘Orator’ Hunt who always spoke wearing the imposing white top hat of purity and Arthur Thistlewood – the man who came within 24 hours of murdering the Prime Minister and his cabinet.

The walks will be led by Clerkenwell and Islington Guides Rob Smith and Philip Nelkon