The citizens of London took a prominent part in the exciting events of the years 1688-89. In no part of the country was there a stronger anti-Popish feeling, and none of the believers and propagators of the notorious Popish Plot of Titus Oates had been so conspicuous as the Londoners. They took the lead in the demonstrations which attended the issue of the famous trial of the seven Bishops, and were foremost in suggesting the practicability of expelling James from the throne. As soon as the King realised his danger, he sent for the Lord Mayor and the Aldermen, and informed them of his determination to restore the City Charter and privileges, which had been confiscated by Charles II. He hoped by this to gain the powerful support of the citizens, who, however, were not to be bought by this tardy act of justice. The Court of Common Council sent an address to the Prince of Orange, promising him a welcome reception; and the Corporation waited on him, on his arrival in London, with an ardent address of congratulation. The feelings of the mob, always fierce when roused by any unusual event, appear to have led them to somewhat violent measures in their expressions of hatred towards Roman Catholics. A similar panic, attended by similar outbreaks, was witnessed in 1780, when proposals to grant some relief to Papists caused the "Gordon Riots." =Source.=—_The London Mercury_, December 12, 1688. No sooner was the King's withdrawing known, but the mob consulted to wreak their vengeance on papists and popery; and last night began with pulling down and burning the new-built Mass-house near the arch, in Lincoln's Inn Fields: thence they went to Wild-house, the residence of the Spanish Ambassador, where they ransacked, destroyed and burnt all the ornamental and inside part of the chapel, some cartloads of choice books, manuscript, etc. And not content here, some villanous thieves and common rogues, no doubt, took this opportunity to mix with the youth, and they plunder'd the Ambassador's house of plate, jewels, money, rich goods, etc.: and also many other who had sent in there for shelter their money, plate, etc.: among which, one gentleman lost a trunk, in which was £800 in money, and a great quantity of plate. Thence they went to the Mass-house, at St. James's, near Smithfield, demolished it quite; from thence to Blackfriars near the Ditchside, where they destroyed Mr. Henry Hill's printing-house, spoiled his forms, letters, etc., and burnt 2 or 300 reams of paper, printed and unprinted: thence to the Mass-house in Bucklersbury and Lime-street, and there demolished and burnt as before: and this night they went to the Nuncio's, and other places at that end of the town; but finding the birds flown, and the bills on the door, they drew off: thence they went into the City, threatening to pull down all papists' houses, particularly one in Ivy Lane, and the market house