Massacre of St George's Fields

Massacre of St George's Fields
A 1769 political cartoon critising the Grafton ministry's reactions to several events, including the massacre
Date	10 May 1768
Location	St George's Fields, Southwark, in South London, England 51°29′55″N 0°06′04″W / 51.4986°N 0.1010°W / 51.4986; -0.1010
Caused by	Protest over the imprisonment of radical MP John Wilkes
Parties
Wilkes' supporters Horse Grenadier Guards Third Regiment of Foot Guards
Number
15,000 c. 200
Casualties and losses
6 or 7 killed 15 wounded None

The Massacre of St George's Fields occurred on 10 May 1768 when government soldiers opened fire on demonstrators that had gathered at St George's Fields, Southwark, in south London. The protest was against the imprisonment of the radical Member of Parliament John Wilkes for writing an article that severely criticised King George III. After the reading of the Riot Act telling the crowds to disperse within the hour, six or seven people were killed when fired on by troops. The incident in Britain entrenched the enduring idiom of "reading the Riot Act to someone", meaning "to reprimand severely", with the added sense of a stern warning. The phrase remains in common use in the English language.^[1]