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.

Mark Antony Mills Eyewitness Account

Saw stones and brickbats being thrown at the yeomanry before they advanced. Felt the atmosphere was ominous.

Place: Elsewhere
Role: Spectator
Occupation: Proprietor (Isle of Man Gazette),Solicitor

Find out more

James McKennell Eyewitness Account

From steps of Mr Buxton’s house he saw cavalry ride into the peaceful crowd and cutting down flags and banners from the hustings, their with swords moving up and down. Did not see anyone cut, but later saw wounded people. Did not hear riot act read.

Place: Manchester
Role: Spectator
Occupation: Salesman

Find out more

Lieutenant James McAlpine Eyewitness Account

Saw one of the Manchester Yeomanry lying on the ground, apparently senseless, near the Quaker meeting house, and a man with a small knife walking away.