Thomas Rothwell Eyewitness Account

• Place: Cheetham,Manchester
• Role: Spectator
• Occupation: Tanner

Saw Bury division moving toward SPF, peaceably. Saw many women and children. ‘I have known Mr. Johnson seven years. I never heard him say that he ever intended to overturn the government.’

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Thomas Rothwell, examined by Mr. Hunt—I am a tanner, and live at Cheetham, about a mile and a half from Manchester. I saw the people go to Manchester. I live near to Mr. Heath (a witness for the prosecu­tion). I saw the Bury division move on five abreast, and they went peaceably. I heard no violent expression from them. There were women and children, some of twelve years old, with them. They walked five abreast as well as the men. There were a great number of women. I can't say how many. They were in the proportion of eight men to one woman or child. There were children of both sorts (boys and girls). I heard them say they were going to hear Mr. Hunt I saw nothing in their manner or conduct to excite, the least fear in me for my person or property. I have known Mr. Johnson seven years. I never heard him say that he ever intended to overturn the government.

Cross-examined by Mr. Littledale. —There might be about 3,000 per­sons in the Bury party. Bury is about 9 miles from Manchester.

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