Esther Howarth Eyewitness Account

• Place: Manchester
• Role: Spectator
• Occupation: Widow

Account

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HO40/16 fol.301

Statement of Esther Howorth of Manchester, 19 November 1819.

Esther Howorth of Peter Street Manchester in the County of Lancaster Widow aged 70 years upon her oath saith

That on Monday the 16th day of August last she was passing over St Peter's Field from Fountain Street at the time of the Meeting on the 16th of August last and saw a Brickbat thrown by a man in a light coloured jacket at one of the Manchester Yeomanry Cavalry* during the time he was dispersing the people, which knocked him off his horse, and while he was on the ground Examinant heard some man say "damn him, kill him" and he immediately saw one man strike him and another throw a stone at him.
Examinant did not see the soldier cut any one during the time he was in the act of dispersing the people.
Examinant saw a great deal of Blood flow from the Soldier during the time he was on the ground and heard some Gentleman desire persons to go for a door to carry him off the field. Examinant then left and went home.

Esther Howorth

Sworn at Manchester aforesaid the nineteenth day of November 1819
Before me
J. Silvester.

*[Marginal note: Mr. John Hulme]

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