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
HMS Amphion (1780) HMS Amphion (1780) HMS "Amphion" was a Royal Navy 32-gun fifth-rate frigate of the "Amazon" Class built in Chatham in 1780 which blew up on 22 September 1796. On 6 September 1781, a small squadron under the command of the "Amphion's" captain John Bazely, in conjunction with General Benedict Arnold, completely destroyed the town of New London, Connecticut, together with stores and shipping in the harbour. On 3 January 1782 "Amphion" recaptured the British sloop , which the French had captured at the capitulation of Yorktown on 19 October 1781. On 22 September 1796, "Amphion" was completing repairs at Plymouth,