Harry Johnson – Middleton Banner

Of all the banners carried to Peterloo only one survives.  For some time it was in the care of my great great uncle.

It is recorded that Thomas Redford carried the Middleton’s banner high in the air until the staff was cut from his hand and his shoulder split open by a sabre. 

It is next known to be in the possession of a Mrs Mather of  Edward Street, Middleton. For many years Mrs Mather secreted the banner from the authorities by wearing it between brown paper under her corsets.  It is not known whether Mrs Mather herself smuggled it away from St Peter’s Field, or whether it was passed on to her.   

The banner then passed to Mrs Mather’s daughter, Mary Ann Mather.  Mary Ann married my great great uncle Harry Johnson who lived in neighbouring Samuel Street. 

Harry Johnson cared for the banner after his wife’s death until he loaned it to the Liberal Club for an exhibition.  Despite pressure, it was never returned to him. 

A Middleton borough council minute in 1937 records that the Liberal Club had offered the banner to the town.  For many years it was displayed in Middleton library. It is now carefully preserved at Rochdale Library.

The above story, from the time of the possession by Mrs Mather, was related to me by my Uncle Thomas, who knew Harry well.  His story was supported by his siblings present at the time i.e. my father and three aunts.