William Blake

1
William Blake

• The Revolutionary

2
The Gordon Riots

• Catholic Relief Act of 1778
• Protestant protest

3
Brief History

• Church of England
• Lead by the monarchy
• Roman Catholic Allegiance
• Pope or King?
• Those traitorous Catholics!
• Keep them in check

4
The Act

• First legislation in favor of Roman Catholics
• Fear of Catholic traitors

5
Lord George Gordon

• Powerful Protestant
• Set up Protestant Association
• No Popery
• 1780 Petitioned against Catholic Relief Act
• 40,000-60,000 marched for an appeal

6
Cant we all just get Along?

• Mob looted, burned, attacked Catholics churches
• Overran London for a week until troops arrived

7
Why Blake, Why?

• Strong supporter of American Revolution
• Catholic Relief Act helped British Army

8
Arrested!

• 1803 arrested for sedition
• Cussed out a soldier for urinating on his lawn
• Blake acquitted, moved back to London.