On Jan. 19, 1764, John Wilkes was expelled from Britain’s Parliament for his allegedly libelous, seditious and pornographic writings. Over the next 12 years, in both Britain and the American colonies, Wilkes’ name became synonymous with Parliamentary oppression.
Wilkes fled to France to avoid arrest, but returned to Britain in 1768 to simultaneously win re-election to Parliament, though Parliament refused to allow him to take his seat, and begin serving a prison term. Troops opened fire on protesters gathered in front of Wilkes’ prison, killing six of his supporters and wounding 15 in what came to be known as the St. George’s Fields Massacre.