Unrecorded
One of nine images from Red Saunders’ Hidden Peterloo Massacre Tableaux
As tens of thousands of men, women and children frantically dispersed, they were ruthlessly pursued and attacked throughout Manchester and beyond for 24 hours. Many had to seek sanctuary to escape the truncheon and sabre. Others found a secluded space to lay low. There was not a public health service, no antibiotics and little pain relief. Fear of severe repercussions for themselves and their family led many not to seek attention for their injuries. Few workers could afford private medical attention. A number died of their injuries sometime after the assault. Dozens were jailed, some for years.
The Peterloo Massacre
On August 16th 1819 tens of thousands of working people – men, women and children – walked from surrounding towns to the centre of Manchester to hear the call for the right to vote.
The local ruling class unleashed the constabulary and mounted Yeomanry on the peaceful crowd. At least 18 people were killed, including children, and around 650 were severely injured.
The Hidden Project shines photographic light on great moments in the long struggle of working people for democracy and social justice. The aim of the project, through reimagining those events, is to reproduce important historic scenes involving the dissenters, revolutionaries, radicals and non-conformists who have so often been hidden from history.
Red Saunders is a professional photographer who combines his photographic practice with cultural, musical and political activism. Images copyright Red Saunders 2019. Further information, reading list and full credit list of supporters and volunteers: www.hiddenpeterloomassacre.com . For further information hiddenproject@clara.co.uk
Designed and printed by unionised labour. www.kavitagraphics.co.uk and www.rapspiderweb.co.uk
