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Chartist Statues

Take me here now

Defending the Westgate

A soldier’s view...

Soldiers inside the hotel fire on the crowd

From The Times 11 November 1839

show transcript

The Newport Riot and its bloody end shocked the nation, but for the soldiers who took part it seemed like a clear case of self-defence. This eyewitness account was taken a week after the event.

Lieutenant Bazil Gray of the 45th Regiment describes his orders to protect the Westgate Hotel, and how his men did not fire until the Chartists began their attack.  By his account, the incident was over in ten minutes, and he ordered a ceasefire once the crowd had dispersed. 

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