The West End Riots in London follow a Trafalgar Square meeting

Background. Trafalgar Square has historically served as a venue for political demonstrations. On 8 February 1886, a date known as Black Monday, protesters rallied there against unemployment, and the demonstration led to a riot in Pall Mall.

Events. Following a counter-demonstration in Trafalgar Square, disorder erupted in the West End. Windows were smashed at the Carlton Club and the Pall Mall Gazette offices. Participants, estimated at 100,000, marched along Piccadilly, Regent Street, and Oxford Street, damaging the Devonshire Club and several shops.

Aftermath. The rioters formed up for a further meeting in Hyde Park after damaging property in the West End. The events were also referred to as the Trafalgar Square Riots or Pall Mall Riots, highlighting the connection between the initial demonstration and the subsequent looting.