Eyewitness Accounts

To commemorate the 200 year anniversary of the Peterloo Massacre the Peterloo 2019 Ambassadors have worked in partnership with Professor Robert Poole (University of Central Lancashire), author of Peterloo: the English Uprising and the Age of Revolution at University of Kent to compile the 400+ eyewitness accounts which include press reports and petitions.

This is the first time the original accounts have been compiled into an online archive. You can now use the website to search by name, place and role and learn more about the eyewitness accounts from 1819.

Joseph Prestwick Eyewitness Account

Witnesssed Oliver & Samuel Harrison, Thomas Redford (Yeomanry) cutting at the crowd with their swords within 15y of the hustings.

Identifies three members of Yeomanry – it is not accepted as evidence, as he did not see/know Lees.

Place: Droylsden
Role: Spectator
Occupation: Weaver

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John Brookes Petitioner

Petitioner briefly describes the wounds he received and emphasises the peacefulness of the meeting.

Place: Manchester
Role: Demonstrator,Injured,Petitioner

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John Brierly Petitioner

Petitions for inquiry into an unprovoked and wanton attack on the large body of people assembled.

Place: Oldham,Royton
Role: Petitioner,Spectator

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John Longworth Eyewitness Account

7/11/1819 Statement as Special Constable saw brickbats thrown and heard Riot Act read.

Place: Manchester
Role: Officer
Occupation: Warehouseman

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John Lloyd Eyewitness Account

18/8/1819* Report from Lloyd to Hobhouse at the Home Office re action of Stockport Yeomanry Cavalry. Few casualties man hurt & wounded one dangerously.

*This is dated as action on 18th August.