COMMEMORATING PETERLOO

Manchester Histories has launched a large programme of events and activities to commemorate the bicentenary of one of the city’s darkest hours

The Peterloo Massacre was one of the most defining events in British history. On 16 August 1819, 60,000 people gathered at St Peter’s Field in Manchester to peacefully demand parliamentary reform. Regular troops and militiamen were deployed and the local yeomanry charged the crowd. Eighteen people were killed and 700 injured in an event that is now viewed as a historical watershed.

To commemorate the 200th anniversary of the massacre, the charity Manchester Histories is working with organisations and communities across Greater Manchester to deliver a programme of activities. With lottery funding, these combine public events, learning opportunities and creative exploration. The Peterloo 2019 Commemorations opened on 7 June 2019 and will culminate on 16 August with the unveiling of a permanent memorial that has been commissioned by Manchester City Council. The surrounding events and activities have been produced by members of the public, cultural organisations, historians, writers and artists.

Karen Shannon, chief executive of Manchester Histories explains why remembering 16 August 1819 is so important, “The Peterloo Massacre plays a significant role in the history of Manchester. The fallout from what followed was felt across the country and continues to be felt 200 years later. We want to ensure that more people know about what happened at Peterloo and consider some of the parallels of what happened then and what is happening today, not just in Manchester but also globally.”