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.

William Brooks Eyewitness Account

Son of Thomas Brooks.

Drank with Moorhouse in a pub before the cavalry surrounded the hustings.

Place: Stockport
Role: Demonstrator

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James Brettargh Eyewitness Account

Was in Windmill Street at time of the disturbance. Heard Hunt exhort crowd to be peaceable and to silence any agitators. ‘He heard “God save the King” played, and “Rule Britannia” as he thought, by the beating of the drum, and nothing disloyal in the conduct of those who attended the meeting.’

Place: Lancashire,Pendleton
Role: Demonstrator
Occupation: Wharfinger

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William Binns Eyewitness Account

Helped to make red flag for Bury procession. Was asked to paint flag yellow, but did not have paint. Made ‘fleur de lis’ ornament for the top of the flagpole.

Place: Bury
Role: Demonstrator

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Joseph Barrett Eyewitness Account

Accompanied William Brooks to the Meeting. Saw no resistance from crowd.

Place: Manchester,Newton Heath
Role: Demonstrator
Occupation: Manufacturer

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John Barlow Eyewitness Account

Saw Bamford’s speech at Barrowfields before joining procession to SPF. States that procession was split into sever companies. States women and children joined procession. ‘I saw no one insulted by the way, nor on St. Peter’s Field.’