The Peterloo Massacre - Info pack

The Peterloo Massacre was a pivotal moment in Manchester's history that took place on August 16, 1819. A large assembly of people, estimated to be around 50,000, gathered at St. Peter's Fields to listen to Henry Hunt, a prominent advocate for political reform. The event was named 'Peterloo' as a grim echo of the Battle of Waterloo, reflecting the violence that ensued. A plaque commemorating the massacre is now installed at the site. The protest was driven by the working class's demand for parliamentary reform, aiming to secure their right to vote and improve their living conditions, which were often squalid and dangerous.

The tragic outcome of the Peterloo Massacre unfolded when local magistrates ordered the Manchester Yeomanry to arrest the speakers, leading to a violent clash with the crowd. The yeomanry, and subsequently the 15th hussars, charged with swords drawn, resulting in the death of 15 individuals and injuries to over 600. The government's response was to praise t