Peterloo Massacre

Peterloo Massacre, the name popularly given to the dispersal of a large meeting by armed force in St Peter's Field, Manchester, Monday, August 16, 1819. The assemblage, consisting chiefly of bodies of operatives from different parts of Lancashire, was called to consider the question of parliamentary reform, and the chair, on open hustings, was occupied by 'Orator' Hunt (q.v.). The dispersal took place by order of the magistrates; several troops of horse, including the Manchester Yeomanry, being concerned in the affair. Eleven persons (men, women, and children) were killed, and some 600 wounded. St Peter's Field is now the site of the Free-trade Hall. 'Peterloo' was a name suggested by Waterloo.