18 September 1809: Old price riots

On this day in working class history, the 18th of September.

On 18 September 1809, the old price riots began in the Covent Garden Theatre in London during the opening night of Macbeth in protest at increased prices at the newly reopened venue.

The original theatre had burned down, and when it reopened, standard ticket prices had increased from three shillings and sixpence to four shillings.

After the play ended, the audience refused to leave so the owner, John Campbell, called police.

However, this escalated the situation and rioters didn't disperse until 2am.

Campbell later hired a famous boxer and some of his associates to quell the protests.

But this also failed and resulted in increased violence.

Protests and disorder, heavily imbued with humour and merriment, continued for 64 days until Kemble reverted his prices and issued an apology.

On this day in working class history, the 18th of September.

On 18 September 1809, the old price riots began in the Covent Garden Theatre in London during the opening night of Macbeth in protest at increased prices at the newly reopened venue.

The original theatre had burned down, and when it reopened, standard ticket prices had increased from three shillings and sixpence to four shillings.

After the play ended, the audience refused to leave so the owner, John Campbell, called police.

However, this escalated the situation and rioters didn't disperse until 2am.

Campbell later hired a famous boxer and some of his associates to quell the protests.

But this also failed and resulted in increased violence.

Protests and disorder, heavily imbued with humour and merriment, continued for 64 days until Kemble reverted his prices and issued an apology.