Peterloo: 200 Years Since The Massacre In Manchester

In 1819, reform groups in the UK were calling for representation (Picture: Manchester Library Services).

Friday marks 200 years since the Peterloo Massacre in Manchester.

Eighteen people lost their lives when cavalry charged into a crowd of peaceful protestors demanding parliamentary reform and universal suffrage.

Poor economic conditions, unemployment and lack of political voice were some of the factors in the political radicalism appealing to the 60,000 who had gathered in St. Peter's Field.

The demonstration was organised by the Manchester Patriotic Union, with an address by orator Henry Hunt.

Local magistrates responded by calling on yeomanry to arrest Hunt and some of his associates.

They charged into the crowd, arresting Hunt.

The 15th Hussars were then sent in as backup, drawing sabres and leading to the deaths of 18, as well as between 400 and 700 injuries.

The Manchester Observer newspaper afterwards coined the term 'Peterloo', in reference to the Battle of Waterloo four years earlier.

The government expressed its support for the Army, while cracking down on reform.

The police and courts were instructed to go after journalists at the Manchester Observer.

On Friday, the names of those that died were read out at 13:30 BST in Manchester Square, the exact time when 200 years ago troops were ordered to break up the crowds of protesters.