This short film does not attempt to tell the full story of the Peterloo Massacre of 1819, but concentrates on the only inquest and enquiry into the death of one of the victims. It gives a compelling view of the corruption of the judicial system by those responsible for the massacre. After direct evidence proved to the jury that the crowd had not been violent and that military force had not been necessary to restore order the inquest was abandoned without a verdict being given, or any perpetrators named in court.
For non-UK readers: the Peterloo Massacre occurred on 16 August 1819 in Manchester. A large crowd of industrial workers (men, women and children) gathered to hear speeches by political reformers. Economic conditions were bad, many were unemployed and literally starving. The Manchester magistrates (businessmen who wanted the workers repressed) ordered the local volunteer cavalry (also manned by businessmen) to charge into the crowd - 11 were killed and about 600 injured.
For non-UK readers: the Peterloo Massacre occurred on 16 August 1819 in Manchester. A large crowd of industrial workers (men, women and children) gathered to hear speeches by political reformers. Economic conditions were bad, many were unemployed and literally starving. The Manchester magistrates (businessmen who wanted the workers repressed) ordered the local volunteer cavalry (also manned by businessmen) to charge into the crowd - 11 were killed and about 600 injured.