Discover three objects made in the aftermath of the Peterloo Massacre.
On 16 August 1819, authorities ordered the yeomanry to charge into a crowd of around 60,000 people who had gathered peacefully at St Peter’s Field in Manchester to demand electoral reform.
In the violence that followed, 18 people were killed and hundreds were injured in what became known as the Peterloo Massacre.
Although the government responded by restricting public discussion and press coverage, people found ways to continue to remember Peterloo.
This display features some of the objects created in the aftermath of these events, including a Peterloo commemorative jug. The jug has recently become a part of PHM’s collection thanks to Art Fund support, and this is the first time it has gone on public display.
Suitable for all ages.
Explore the events of Peterloo in a new podcast series, A Family History Of…, by UK family history website Findmypast, in which presenter and genealogist Jen Baldwin is joined by historian and broadcaster, David Olusoga.
The four part series includes a special bonus episode featuring PHM’s Head of Collections & Engagement, Jenny Mabbott. Jenny joins Jen for a deeper dive into the museum’s Peterloo collection, revealing the stories behind some of the objects on display at the museum.
Listen from 4 August 2026
Celebrate Heritage Open Days and join Findmypast’s team of genealogy experts in the historic Engine Hall at PHM to uncover the stories of your family – from feats of activism to journeys of migration, moments of social change, and more.
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