The Evil May Day Riots
“Londoners threatened to cut strangers to pieces and sack their houses on the first of May”
WHAT WERE THE EVIL MAY DAY RIOTS?
The Evil May Day Riots (also known as the Ill May Day Riots) were violent disturbances that took place in London during the evening of 30 April 1517 and early hours of 1 May against foreigners living in the city. It is considered to be one of the earliest race riots in the world and early modern London’s largest outbreak of violence against immigrants.
WHAT WERE RELATIONS LIKE BETWEEN IMMIGRANTS AND THE ENGLISH RESIDENTS OF LONDON BEFOREHAND?
As a thriving port and international city, London was home to people from many nations, including Italy, the Netherlands and France. The capital’s thriving economy attracted merchants and artisans from all over Europe. It’s thought that
You’re reading a preview, subscribe to read more.
Start your free 30 days