The Peterloo Massacre at 200

On 16 August 1819, 60,000 peaceful pro-democracy protestors gathered in Manchester. They were charged by cavalry, leaving at least 15 dead. This event became known as the Peterloo Massacre.

200 years on, our experts will examine Peterloo’s impact on the parliamentary reform movements; on the use of the military to maintain civil power; and ask what bearing the massacre had on the way we think today about the history of democracy. Footage from Mike Leigh’s acclaimed Peterloo, and original testimonies, will provide context.

Speakers include Jacqueline Riding, historian for Mike Leigh’s film Peterloo, and George Hay, records specialist at The National Archives.

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