Home > Europe > United Kingdom > Northern Ireland > Belfast
Belfast riots, August 1920
Wall Art and Photo Gifts from Mary Evans Picture Library
Belfast riots, August 1920
A double page spread from the Illustrated London News, reporting on rioting in Belfast that began on the night of the 23rd August, and continued for a week. The feature is entitled " The worst rioting in the history of Belfast disturbances, which causes 500, 000 damage".Armoured cars and Lewis guns were used to quell the factions, with barbed wire barricades erected in the streets. Pubs and shops were set alight, and effigies were hung from lamposts by Unionists. Date: August 1920
Mary Evans Picture Library makes available wonderful images created for people to enjoy over the centuries
Media ID 14145216
© Illustrated London News Ltd/Mary Evans
Armoured Barbed Barricades Belfast Conflict Damage Debris Disorder Disturbances Fear Guns Independence Lewis Looted Looting News Panic Protest Ransacked Riot Rioters Rioting Riots Sectarian Troubles Unrest Violence Violent Wire Looters
FEATURES IN THESE COLLECTIONS
> Arts
> Portraits
> Pop art gallery
> Street art portraits
> Europe
> United Kingdom
> Northern Ireland
> Belfast
> Europe
> United Kingdom
> Northern Ireland
> Posters
> Europe
> United Kingdom
> Northern Ireland
> Related Images
The Worst Rioting in the History of Belfast Disturbances - A Week of Violence and Destruction in August 1920
EDITORS COMMENTS
The photograph captures the chaotic scene of the Belfast riots that erupted on the night of August 23, 1920. The disturbances, which lasted for a week, were the worst in the city's history, causing an estimated half a million pounds in damage. The image, taken from the Illustrated London News, depicts the aftermath of the clashes between Unionist and Nationalist factions. In the foreground, an armored car advances down a debris-strewn street, its machine guns at the ready. Barbed wire barricades have been erected in the streets, and in the distance, smoke rises from the flames of pubs and shops that have been set alight. Effigies hang from lamp posts, a symbol of the deep-rooted sectarian tensions that fueled the violence. The rioting began when a group of Unionist Protestants attacked a Nationalist parade, leading to retaliatory attacks on Unionist areas. The situation quickly spiraled out of control, with looting, looting, and violent clashes between the two communities. The British military was called in to quell the unrest, and armored cars and Lewis guns were used to disperse the mobs. The fear and panic that gripped Belfast during this time were palpable. Buildings were ransacked and looted, and the streets were filled with the sounds of gunfire and explosions. The riots were a turning point in the Irish War of Independence, and marked the beginning of a prolonged period of unrest in Northern Ireland that would last for decades. This photograph is a stark reminder of the violent and tumultuous events that shaped the history of Northern Ireland in the 1920s. It is a powerful image that captures the raw emotion and chaos of a city in the grip of conflict.
MADE IN THE USA
Safe Shipping with 30 Day Money Back Guarantee
FREE PERSONALISATION*
We are proud to offer a range of customisation features including Personalised Captions, Color Filters and Picture Zoom Tools
SECURE PAYMENTS
We happily accept a wide range of payment options so you can pay for the things you need in the way that is most convenient for you
* Options may vary by product and licensing agreement. Zoomed Pictures can be adjusted in the Cart.