Southend-on-Sea, Essex: Anti-German Riots
Anti-German riots took place against German businesses in Southend-on-Sea after a local woman, Agnes Whitwell, was killed during one of Britain’s first ever air raids.
On 10 May 1915, a Zeppelin airship dropped over 100 bombs on the town, killing one person; Mrs Whitwell of North Road, Prittlewell. But the air raid coincided with the sinking of the Lusitania and the publication of the Bryce Report into German atrocities in Belgium, leading to an outpouring of anti-German sentiment in Southend and elsewhere in the country.
Shortly afterwards, hundreds of people rioted against several German-run businesses in Southend-on-Sea, including on the High Street, Queens Road and Pier Hill. Order was only restored after the police called in the army.
Location: North Road, Prittlewell, Southend-on-Sea, Essex SS0 7AG
Image shows damage from the air raids
Duration:
This clip is from
Featured in...
![]()
Protest—World War One At Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ
Race riots, rent strikes and conscientious objectors' resistance
![]()
Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ Essex—World War One At Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ
Places in Essex that tell a story of World War One
More clips from World War One At Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ
-
![]()
The loss of HMY Iolaire
Duration: 18:52
-
![]()
Scotland, Slamannan and the Argylls
Duration: 07:55
-
![]()
Scotland Museum of Edinburgh mourning dress
Duration: 06:17
-
![]()
Scotland Montrose 'GI Brides'
Duration: 06:41
