"Fox, followed by Burke and Sheridan, hastily leaves a vaulted archway from which issue smoke and flames. George Hanger (left) runs in front, holding a burning firebrand; behind him is the White Tower in flames. Fox carries the crown which he partly conceals under his voluminous coat. Burke, dressed as a Jesuit (cf. BMSat 6026), holds the sceptre; he looks with satisfaction at Sheridan, who takes his arm. Sheridan holds the orb; in his hat is an election favour inscribed 'Townsend'. Hanger wears a cocked hat with an election favour, his military coat and tight breeches are in rags; under his arm is a sack labelled 'Unmill'd Coin'. Torn bills pasted on the wall behind Fox's head are inscribed 'the Westminster Election; for the Interest of Lord J. Townsd', and 'Leak's Pills'."--British Museum online catalogue
Alternative Title:
Blood and Co. setting fire to the tower and stealing the crown and Blood and Company setting fire to the tower and stealing the crown
Description:
Title etched below image., Attributed to Gillray in the British Museum catalogue., Following imprint: Price 1 s., Sheet trimmed within plate mark., and Temporary local subject terms: Allusion to Lord John Townshend, 1757-1833 -- Allusion to Captain Mason, fl. 1671 -- Allusion to Thomas Blood, 1618?-1680 -- Tower of London -- Burning of White Tower -- Medical Signs: Pills -- Leake's -- Crowns -- Sceptres -- Orbs -- Election favours -- Attempted thievery: Blood and Mason, 1671 -- Perogatives: Fox's attempt to steal -- Torches: firebrand.
Publisher:
Pubd. July 26th, 1788, by H. Humphrey, New Bond Street
Subject (Geographic):
England and London.
Subject (Name):
Fox, Charles James, 1749-1806, Burke, Edmund, 1729-1797, Sheridan, Richard Brinsley, 1751-1816, Hanger, George, 1751?-1824, Townshend, John, Lord., and Great Britain. Parliament