William Thelwall Eyewitness Account

• Place: Manchester
• Role: Spectator
• Occupation: Builder

Saw women at the meeting in SPF. Attended earlier meetings, but did not know that they were for reform. ‘Had seen Mr. Hunt before at a meeting at Manchester. Took no part in the proceedings.’

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William Thelwall—Is a builder at Manchester; was there on the 16th of August. His house is about 200 yards from the place of meeting. Has a wife and family. His house is in Lloyd Street. Saw some of the pro­cessions coming in; they came in a peaceable manner. He felt no alarm; neither did he hear his neighbours express any. Has considerable pro­perty in Lloyd Street. There was nothing in the appearance of the pro­cession different from those he had seen of benefit clubs. Some few had sticks. There were a good many young women amongst them. Saw no shops shut up until evening. Was at the meeting about half-past twelve. He saw no one armed with long staves. Where he stood was the opposite angle to Mr. Buxton's house. Saw the cavalry arrive, and form in front of the house. Saw them approach the hustings. No resistance was made. There were neither stones nor brickbats thrown at them; if there had, he should have seen them.

Cross-examined by Sergeant Cross. —He stood near the Quaker's Meet­ing-house, but farther down. He knows Mr. Johnson; never knew him until about three days before the 16th of August. Did not know any of the others. Had seen Mr. Hunt before at a meeting at Manchester. Took no part in the proceedings. The meeting he was at was the one held in January. Heard no expression of alarm before the 16th of August. Had heard of additional constables having been sworn in, and of the mili­tary being brought into the neighbourhood. Had also heard that there was to be a meeting of the Justices of two counties, and considered precautionary measures. Is sure he heard no expressions of alarm amongst his neighbours, on account of the people assembling. Knew a meeting was to have been held on the 9th of August. Did not understand, however, that it was for the purpose of electing members of Par­liament, like those of Birmingham. Have seen this notice before, (a placard which was put into his hands, signed H. Hunt, calling the meeting).

Re-examined by Mr. Hunt—Could not swear that he had seen a correct copy of this before the meeting.

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