Cato Street Conspiracy, 1820
nLord Sidmouth was informed of the plot by one of his spies.
nHe ordered Richard Birnie, a JP to arrest the conspirators using police officers and if necessary soldiers from the Coldstream Guards.
nBirnie decided to arrest the conspirators using just 12 police officers.
nWhen they stormed the loft where they were meeting they shouted: 'We are peace officers. Lay down your arms.'
nArthur Thistlewood and William Davidson raised their swords while some of the other men attempted to load their pistols.
nOne of the police officers, Richard Smithers, moved forward to make the arrests but Thistlewood stabbed him with his sword. Smithers gasped, "Oh God, I am..." and lost consciousness. Smithers died soon afterwards.
nSome of the gang surrendered but others like William Davidson were only taken after a struggle.
nFour of the conspirators, Thistlewood, John Brunt, Robert Adams and John Harrison escaped out of a back window but where later caught
n
Response?
Overreaction
Sensible