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 Monsieur (1780) On 22 January 1780, the "Lively" was sailing from London to Liverpool when she fell victim to the Irish pirate vessel "Black Prince". "Lively" escaped only to fall victim to "Monsieur" two days later. "Monsieur" took all the crew out of "Lively", except for three boys, and put a 13-man prize crew aboard. On 4 February, the boys recaptured the ship while almost the entire prize crew was asleep. The next day they sailed to Kinsale where the letter of marque "Hercules" took possession. On 12 March 1780 the Third Rate "Alexander", under the command of Captain Lord Longford, was