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.

Samuel Jackson Petitioner

Whilst walking past Oldham Street, Manchester with bother and sister-in-law, received wound in knee from fired musket ball, taken to infirmary.

Place: Crumpsall,Salford
Role: Demonstrator,Injured
Occupation: Dyer

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Michael Fitzpatrick Eyewitness Account

Attended meetings at Smithfield and Spa Fields in 1819. Provides copy of Smithfield resolutions chaired by Hunt. Debate on whether Smithfield resolutions can be used as evidence. Eventually, these are read after the proceedings officially break at the end of the day.

Occupation: Reporter 'The New Times'

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James Andrews Eyewitness Account

Saw Hunt three times in 1819. In January expected trouble that did not arise. At St Peter’s Field saw flags, caps of liberty and stone throwing. Would have refused to attempt arrests without military support.

Place: Bury
Role: Officer
Occupation: Deputy Constable

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John Barlow Eyewitness Account

Decided he should join his fellow Special Constables when he saw the size of the crowd. Saw crowds with stick and stones being thrown.

Place: Manchester
Role: Officer
Occupation: Innkeeper

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Robert Hughes Eyewitness Account

Saw people arrive at the field with sticks, but crowd was peaceable until Hunt arrived. Hunt told them to ‘Get down and keep down’ anyone who offered insult and keep firm and link arms. Saw much resistance to the cavalry and attacks with stones.