NEW PLAQUE FOR PETERLOO SITE

Congratulations to campaigners who have persuaded Manchester City Council to put up a new plaque explaining exactly what happened at Peterloo - that terrible day in 1819, when a peaceful crowd of about 60,000 people gathered in St Peter's Fields ( now St Peter's Square) to listen to anti-poverty and pro-democracy speakers. Despite the peaceful nature of their demonstration, it is estimated that 18 were killed, and over 700 were seriously injured by armed cavalry. An existing blue plaque (pictured) commemorates the date and site -now it will be replaced with a red plaque outlining the horrible reality of what happened on August 16 188 years ago. The campaigners, who have their own website, hope to carry on their work ensuring that Peter loo is remebered by future generations - they are holding a meeting in the Briton's Protection pub , Manchester, on September 17.