18th-century London force. Penalties for crime were harsh, with the death penalty being applied for fairly minor crimes. Public hangings were common in London, and were popular public events. In 1780, London was rocked by the Gordon Riots, an uprising by Protestants against Roman Catholic emancipation led by Lord George Gordon. Severe damage was caused to Catholic churches and homes, and 285 rioters were killed. 18th-century London The 18th century was a period of rapid growth for London, reflecting an increasing national population, the early stirrings of the Industrial Revolution, and London's role at the centre of the evolving British Empire. In
Pandour (1780) Pandour (1780) Pandour was a French a 14-gun gun-brig launched in 1780 as a cutter, which the Royal Navy captured in December 1795. The Navy took her into service as "Pandora" (or "Pandour"), but she foundered in June 1797. "Pandour" was built as a cutter by Jacques and Daniel Denys at Dunkirk in 1780 and launched on 16 June. In 1782 she was re-rigged as a brig at Brest. In 1792 she was under the command of Lieutenant Bertrand de Keranguen. His successor in 1793 as commander was "enseigne de veaisseau non-entretenu" Hardouin, later "lieutenant de vaisseaux". "Pandour" was based