Finding Peterloo roots
The Peterloo Massacre in Manchester in 1819 was a turning point in British history. Now the city is gearing up to mark the 200th anniversary with a commemorative project that includes helping descendants of those killed or injured trace their family trees. Simon Wills finds out more
COMMEMORATIVE PROJECT
Simon Wills
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On 16 August 1819 a crowd of 60,000 peaceful protesters assembled in St Peter’s Square, Manchester, to listen to speakers urging democratic reform since fewer than 2 per cent of the population had the vote. Soldiers and police charged the crowd and 18 people were killed and nearly 700 injured.
Karen Shannon is the chief executive of Manchester Histories, which is working with various partners to commemorate the Peterloo Massacre in 2019. She described some of what they hope to achieve.
Q Have you been able to identify all the people who were killed or injured in the massacre?