John Bellingham was a 41-year-old merchant who assassinated Spencer Perceval, the British Prime Minister, on May 11, 1812, in the House of Commons. Bellingham had previously faced financial difficulties and sought redress for his grievances through a public act of violence. He approached Perceval during a session of Parliament and shot him at close range, causing immediate chaos in the chamber. Perceval, known for his leadership during the Napoleonic Wars and for his attempts to address pressing national issues such as the economy, was the only British Prime Minister to have been assassinated. After the shooting, Bellingham was subdued, arrested, and charged with murder.

The trial took place quickly due to the public outcry for justice. Bellingham’s defense claimed he was insane, but the jury was not swayed, and he was found guilty. The case became a sensational topic in the press and amongst the public, revealing deep-seated tensions regarding political representation and personal despair. On May 18, 1812, Bellingham was sentenced to death by hanging, an outcome that reflected both the gravity of the crime and the growing fears about political instability in Britain.

This verdict attracted widespread attention and sparked debates about the implications of political violence and the mental health of perpetrators. The execution took place on June 11, 1812, which further transformed the narrative surrounding Bellingham into a tale of desperation and failed political advocacy. The assassination and its trial underscored challenges within the political system and highlighted the vulnerability of political figures in turbulent times.