Martha Robinson Eyewitness Account

• Place: Manchester
• Role: Spectator
• Occupation: Housewife

Identified the trumpeter on the piebald horse and had later spoken with soldiers “…who cut several persons in the street where I live”.

Account

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Name: Martha Robinson

Occupation: (Housewife)

Home: Manchester

Date: 2 October 1819

Source: Lees Inquest 187 − 188

Summary: Identified the trumpeter on the piebald horse and had later spoken with soldiers “…who cut several persons in the street where I live”.

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MARTHA ROBINSON called in by Mr. HARMER, sworn, and examined by the CORONER.

Q. What are you?
A. I am the wife of Edward Robinson, of Roger's-row, Manchester.
Q. Do you know any thing of the death of John Lees?
A. No, I do not.
Q. Were you near the hustings on the 16th?
A. No; I was close to the corner of Roger's-row, near Dickenson-street.
Q. How far were you from the Quakers' Meeting-house?
A. About fifty yards.
Q. Could you see any of the soldiers at the hustings?
A. Yes; I saw the trumpeter.
Q. How did you know him?
A. The reason I knew him was, because he was riding a pie¬bald horse.
Q. Could you identify any other person?
A. I could not.
Q. Can you tell who was cut?
A. I can't; but I saw the swords falling, and cutting both ways; some persons were cut in the street I live in, but I don't know who.

The WITNESS examined by Mr. HARMER.

Q. Can you identify any of the Yeomanry who you saw attack¬ing the people that day, in or near the field?
A. Yes; I can speak to some who cut several persons in the street where I live.
The Coroner—I shall not take this? What have we to do with what was done by the Yeomanry in another street?
Mr. Harmer—If it was immediately after they came from the field, I think you have—(to the witness)—How soon was it after the tumult commenced that they came into your street?
A. Not two minutes.
Q. From whence did they come?
A. Out of St. Peter’s-field.
Q. Could you name them, if you were allowed?
A. Yes, I could.
The Coroner—I shall not let her name them.
A Juror—I wish to know if it is competent to any of the Jury to give evidence in the matter of this Inquest?
Another Juror—There are three of us who wish to give evi¬dence, if we are allowed.
Mr. Harmer—I conceive that you may either of you give in¬formation to your brother Jurymen, but you ought not to do it privately; if you knew any thing concerning your present inquiry, you ought to be sworn and examined in open Court.
The Coroner—Yes; you must be sworn and examined, like other witnesses.
Mr. Denison here tendered to the Coroner a quantity of sum¬monses to compel the attendance of witnesses, and requested him to sign them.
The Coroner—How many are there?
Mr. Denison—About one hundred.
The Coroner—What, a hundred more? I suppose you will apply for five hundred the next time.
Mr. Denison—Probably so, Sir. We shall certainly persist in calling witnesses, so long as it shall be contended that we have not proved the meeting to have been peaceable.
The Coroner—You misused one of my summonses in serving it on Serjeant Gregson: I shall, therefore, take time to consider whether I shall sign these which I now see.
Mr. Denison—I thought that I had satisfactorily explained our reasons for summoning Gregson. The names of the witnesses are inserted in these precepts, and I now tender them to you. Will you sign them?
The Coroner—I have already said that I shall take time to con¬sider of it.
Mr. Denison—Then, Sir, I understand that you will not sign these papers?
The Coroner made no reply.
Mr. Harmer—Mr. Coroner, I wish to know whether you have seen the body of the deceased? If not, I respectfully suggest that you do so before the Inquest be concluded, as I presume you know that it is a material part of your duty.
The Coroner—(After some little hesitation)—I give no answer.
Mr. Harmer—Am I to understand that you have not seen the body?
The Coroner—I give no answer.
Mr. Harmer—I wish you to say yes, or no?
The Coroner – I give no answer.

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