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.

Henry Andrews Eyewitness Account

Servant to Henry Hunt: character witness for Hunt. No indication he attended demonstration on 16th.

Occupation: Servant

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Hannah Lees Eyewitness Account

John Lees’ step-mother, testifying at the Lees Inquest. She describes the health and demeanor of John Lees travelling to and from St. Peters Field, his decline and death. Saw and dressed the ‘foul cut’ on John’s arm when he returned.

Place: Oldham
Role: Spectator

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Daniel Kennedy Eyewitness Account

Testified at the Lees Inquest. States that he sharpened the swords of the Yeomanry during the four weeks before the 16th August.

Place: Manchester
Role: Spectator
Occupation: Cutler

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John Jones Eyewitness Account

Testified durimg the Lees Inquest. Describes the panic of people fleeing, being crushed, and personally identifies two members of the Yeomanry using their sabres.