'Three Accounts of Peterloo' Summary

On August 16, 1819, a peaceful reform rally in St. Peter's Fields, Manchester, turned deadly when a troop of Hussars, accompanied by local Yeomanry, charged into the crowd. This event, known as the Peterloo Massacre, resulted in 18 deaths and over 700 injuries. 'Three Accounts of Peterloo' offers a glimpse into this tragic day through the eyes of three individuals who witnessed the events firsthand: Bishop Stanley, Lord Hylton, and John Benjamin Smith. Each account provides a distinct perspective, shedding light on the societal unrest, the political climate, and the brutal consequences of the crackdown on reformist movements. Bishop Stanley's account, which includes his testimony from the subsequent trial, provides a detailed and harrowing description of the violence and the aftermath, highlighting the government's role in suppressing dissent. The book serves as a historical record of a pivotal event in English history, offering valuable insights into the struggles for political reform and the consequences of government suppression.