Event | Bones of Paine Procession

In November 1819 the bones of radical writer and political activist Thomas Paine were brought to Salford (dug up from their original resting place in New York state, USA by campaigning journalist William Cobbett), only to be refused entry to Manchester by the authorities, with the horrors of the Peterloo Massacre still fresh.  And then the bones disappeared…

Salford’s Working Class Movement Library (WCML), Walk the Plank and People’s History Museum (PHM) are celebrating the bicentenary of this bizarre event with a procession, complete with giant Bones of Paine illuminated puppet, musicians and dancers, as a new and artistic ending for this story:

• WCML will be open from 2.00pm; visit their new exhibition, Thomas Paine: citizen of the world, on show until Thursday 26 March 2020
• The parade starts from WCML at 4.00pm, stopping briefly in Bexley Square
• The next stop will be New Bailey at 5.00pm for a powerful vocal performance before the procession reaches PHM at 5.15pm to be welcomed by a colourful performance from Colibri Mexican Folkdance
• At PHM the whole museum, cafe and shop will be open until 6.00pm; see original artefacts including Paine’s writing desk and death mask, and enjoy a celebratory Bones of Paine biscuit on us (first come, first served)!

This event is the grand finale of a joint National Lottery Heritage Fund (NLHF) project for PHM and WCML; find out how the project supported both organisations in the acquisition of new collection pieces.

Family Friendly event, suitable for all ages

No booking required, drop in event

Part of PHM’s year long programme exploring the past, present and future of protest, marking 200 years since the Peterloo Massacre; a major event in Manchester’s history, and a defining moment for Britain’s democracy.