After several hours of combat, the prison and symbol of monarchist tyranny fell to rioters who armed themselves from the Bastille’s cache of weapons and released its seven prisoners (one of whom is suspected of murder).
Despite ordering a cease fire, which eye-witnesses claim prevented a mutual massacre, Governor Marquis Bernard de Launay was beaten, stabbed and decapitated. His head was then placed on a pike and paraded about the city.
It is further reported that, after returning to the Hôtel de Ville, the mob accused the prévôt des marchands, Jacques de Flesselles, of treachery - and he was shot.
Royal sources say that the King and his military supporters have now backed down – at least for the time being. La Fayette has been placed in command of the National Guard and Jean-Sylvain Bailly has become the capital’s new mayor under a new governmental structure known as the commune.
The King is reported today to have accepted a tricolore cockade to cries of Vive le Roi and Vive la Nation. And Necker has been reinstated.
It remains to be seen just how long-lived his appointment will be, because, despite apparently thinking he can save the country himself, Necker has never been the most astute of politicians…
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