A Death Song

This booklet entitled 'A Death Song' was designed by William Morris, artist and founder of the Socialist League. The pamphlet was produced in response to the death of Alfred Linnell killed by the police cavalry during a demonstration in Trafalgar Square in November 1887 and includes a printed account of the circumstances of Linnell's death. Linnell was an innocent bystander at the Bloody Sunday riots that broke out during the demonstration by the mass unemployed. As mounted and foot police charged the protestors in the Square Linnell fell to the ground and was crushed beneath a horse's hoof. The songsheet was printed and sold for 1 penny 'for the benefit of Linnell's orphans'.
The printed account & the songsheet condemn the behaviour of the police & the authorities and reflect the concern of middle class reformers towards the violent suppression of working class demonstrations.