Evil May Day, the protest against foreigners living in London

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Evil May Day, the protest against foreigners living in London

Evil May Day, the protest against foreigners living in London. Apprentices attacked foreign residents. Some of the rioters were later hanged. Date: 1517

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Media ID 20953427

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1517 Apprentices Attacked Beginning Cheapside Evil Foreign Foreigners Living Protest Residents Rioters Riots

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EDITORS COMMENTS
Evil May Day, 1517: A Dark Chapter in London's History This chilling image captures the chaos and violence of Evil May Day, an infamous riot that took place in London on May 1, 1517. The day began as a festive occasion, with apprentices and laborers celebrating the beginning of May with music, dancing, and merriment in Cheapside. However, the mood quickly turned sour as tensions between the native-born population and foreign residents began to boil over. Fueled by anti-foreigner sentiment and economic hardships, the apprentices and laborers turned on their neighbors, attacking and looting the homes and businesses of foreigners. The violence spread throughout the city, with reports of arson, robbery, and murder. The riots continued for several days, with the situation growing increasingly violent and chaotic. The authorities struggled to maintain order, and eventually called in the military to quell the unrest. In the aftermath of the riots, over 100 people were arrested and brought to trial. Thirty-one rioters were sentenced to be hanged, making Evil May Day one of the most brutal and deadly episodes in London's history. This photograph, taken from an original woodcut print, provides a haunting reminder of the dark chapter in London's past. The image shows a mob of angry apprentices, armed with clubs and other weapons, attacking a group of terrified foreigners. The chaos and violence of the scene are palpable, and the image serves as a stark reminder of the destructive power of prejudice and intolerance.

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