The Witness to Peterloo Workshops

The Peterloo Massacre of 1819 was a formative event in the development of both Manchester and of modern democracy. Although its causes have been argued over Peterloo was one of the best-documented political events in Manchester's history: over 200 eye-witness accounts survive, some of them well-known, others only recently discovered. The Peterloo Witness Project is working to collect them all and make them public.

The workshop on Saturday 18th February will begin with an illustrated talk on the 1819 Peterloo Massacre, detailing the evidence and sources for what happened.

Afterwards those who wish can stay to look at original copies of some newly-discovered sources. After a lunch break you can (with support) try your hand at reading and transcribing this evidence, doing genuinely useful historical work. Those who wish can take copies home to work on (computer useful but not necessary!) and we will meet again on 25th to share findings and continue.

The workshops are lead by Robert Poole, Reader of History at the University of Cumbria, in preparation for a further Peterloo talk as part of Manchester Histories Festival Celebration Day on Saturday 3 March.

You can attend one or both workshops, or simply come along to hear the talk without joining in the workshop.

NO PREVIOUS EXPERIENCE REQUIRED.