The Clerkenwell Riot

The Clerkenwell Riot took place in London on 13th May 1833.

The riot occurred as the Metropolitan Police attempted to break up a meeting of the National Union of the Working Classes (NUWC).

Figures for the number of police present varied between 70 and 600 officers.

Figures for the number of members of the public varied between 300 and 6,000.

Several police baton charges dispersed the crowd and the leaders of the NUWC were arrested.

Three police officers were stabbed.

There were few serious injuries inflicted on members of the public.

The aftermath of the riot proved to be a legal sensation and remains a landmark in the history of British policing.Keith Renew lives in Deeside and has been invited by several local groups and societies to talk about the history of the London police force.

He served in the police service in London for 35 years, where he developed a passion for police history.

He was part of the committee of the Friends of the Metropolitan Police Museum for 15 years and as secretary of the museum for 8 years.Illustration by Ernest Prater from Mysteries of Police and Crime 1899 courtesy of Project GutenbergProceeds from this event are for the benefit of Coull Trust for repairs to Coull Kirk.