Richard Parker (mutineer)
Richard Parker was an English sailor executed for his role as president of the so-called "Floating Republic", a naval mutiny in the Royal Navy which took place at the Nore between 12 May and 16 June 1797.
Richard Parker about to be hanged for mutiny
Death mask of Richard Parker taken shortly after he was hanged from the yardarm of HMS Sandwich. An original casting is held at the Hunterian Museum, London.
Spithead and Nore mutinies
The Spithead and Nore mutinies were two major mutinies by sailors of the Royal Navy in 1797. They were the first in an increasing series of outbreaks of maritime radicalism in the Atlantic World. Despite their temporal proximity, the mutinies differed in character. The Spithead mutiny was a simple, peaceful, successful strike action to address economic grievances, while the Nore mutiny was a more radical action, articulating political ideals as well, which failed.
The Delegates in Council, or beggars on horseback, a contemporaneous caricature
Richard Parker about to be hanged for mutiny (image from The Newgate Calendar)
Death mask of Richard Parker taken shortly after he was hanged for mutiny in 1797; a fine original casting is held at the Hunterian Museum (London).