John Frost (1784-1877), Chartist

Sitter in 4 portraits
Welsh draper and ex-mayor who commanded the most serious outburst of Chartist revolt. On 4 November 1839, he led a 3000-man attack on the Westgate Hotel, Newport, where Chartist prisoners were being held. His broader intention was to provoke insurrection throughout the country. The revolution never came and the rebellion was quickly quelled, leaving 20 dead. Frost narrowly avoided execution and was transported to Tasmania.