Tribute to Peterloo heroes 198 years on...
ACTOR John Henshaw will pay tribute to the victims of the Peterloo Massacre in Manchester on the 198th anniversary.
The TV star will take part in a commemorative event alongside others tomorrow at St Peter’s Square in the city centre.
Armed cavalry charged a crowd of 60,000 people who had gathered to listen to anti-poverty and pro-democracy speeches at a peaceful rally in Manchester city centre on August 16, 1819.
It’s estimated that up to 17 people were killed, with almost 700 others left seriously injured.
The names of the dead – and all known biographical details – will be read out aloud by Ancoats-born John from 1pm ahead of a minute’s silence at the exact time the attack commenced.
St Peter’s Square is close to the location of the first casualty, two-year-old William Fildes.
The little boy lived with his family on Kennedy Street in Manchester and was knocked from his mother’s arms and trampled to death by a galloping cavalryman.
News of his death inspired the poet Shelley to write his acclaimed work The Mask of Anarchy.
Protesters dressed in their Sunday best carried banners and marched from towns and villages across Manchester to St Peter’s Field to support calls for urgent social and political change. Magistrates, however, ordered the arrest of the speakers, resulting in soldiers on horseback cutting through the crowds with sabres and bayonets.
The bloody massacre – and the outcry it sparked – ultimately helped shape British democracy today.
Following the ceremony the public are being invited to take part in a workshop at Manchester Central Library to create surname placards ahead of a commemorative rally on Sunday at 1pm, which is due to be attended by Salford actor Christopher Eccleston.
Researchers and members of the Peterloo Memorial Campaign have compiled an ever-growing list of more than 1,000 names of people who were there. Those taking part will be asked to hold name cards aloft.
“We want to fill the space with a sea of surname placards, symbolically bringing these folk back to the site of the massacre.” said Paul Fitzgerald from the campaign.
“We invite everyone to search the list for a surname they identify with, be it a family link, a location, street or occupation. Put it on a small banner and bring it along to the rally.”