Peterloo: The Story of the Manchester Massacre

The Peterloo Massacre was a defining moment in British democracy, where a crowd of 60,000 gathered to demand reform of the corrupt electoral system, but were brutally attacked by drunken yeomanry, resulting in 15 deaths and 650 injuries. Jacqueline Riding's book provides a detailed account of the events, the reform movement, and its political legacy, offering a powerful insight into this tragic chapter in British history.

\n Format: Paperback / softback
\n Length: 400 pages
\n Publication date: 02 May 2019
\n Publisher: Head of Zeus
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The Peterloo Massacre, a pivotal moment in British democracy's history, is vividly recounted in this captivating book. Authored with passion and authority, it delves into the events of August 16, 1819, when a peaceful gathering of 60,000 people in St. Peter's Field in Manchester turned into a tragic bloodbath. The crowd, consisting of ordinary working-class men, women, and children, had come together to demand fundamental reform of a corrupt electoral system. However, their peaceful protest was met with brutal force by the drunken yeomanry, resulting in the deaths of 15 people, including two women and a child, and the injury of 650. This massacre, which occurred just four years after the defeat of Napoleon at Waterloo, marked a turning point in British history, where the state turned its forces against its own people, violating their fundamental rights. Jacqueline Riding not only provides a detailed account of the events of that fateful day but also paints a vivid portrait of the reform movement and its charismatic leaders. She explores the political legacy of the massacre, examining how it shaped the course of democracy in Britain and continues to resonate in contemporary society. This book is not only a testament to the power of protest but also a reminder of the importance of safeguarding democratic rights and freedoms. It is a must-read for anyone interested in British history, politics, and social justice.

\n Weight: 278g\n
Dimension: 130 x 197 x 25 (mm)\n
ISBN-13: 9781786695840\n \n