From the Pioneers to Peterloo

The footsteps of those who fought at Peterloo will be retraced from the Rochdale Pioneers Museum on 22 June for the 200th anniversary of the massacre.

Greg Nowell will be running from the Rochdale Pioneers Museum on Toad Lane to Manchester Central (formerly the G-Mex) near St Peter’s Square in Manchester city centre to commemorate the 200th anniversary of the massacre.

Led by Samuel Bamford, 60,000 workers and reformers from north west towns and villages including Heywood, Rochdale and Middleton, marched to St Peter’s Field in central Manchester on 16 August 1819.

The group travelled to hear political speeches, but the day became known as the Peterloo Massacre after 18 protestors were killed and nearly 700 injured after soldiers and special constables attacked the public protest calling for democratic representation.

Within days the slaughter was named ‘Peter-loo’, an ironic reference to the battleground of Waterloo.

 

 

Greg, a qualified personal trainer, is hoping that his run to the site will help raise awareness of the massacre whilst raising funds for the Rochdale Pioneers Museum.

He said: “There are lots of things happening this year for the 200th anniversary, but I do meet people who just don’t know about Peterloo. It is a sad fact and hopefully I’ll be taking the route that they did, following in their steps to the G-Mex.

“In the run-up to the anniversary, this will hopefully be a massive boost for the museum as well as making a firm statement that we want to remember the heroic sacrifice of the Peterloo protestors come August.”

 

 

The route will begin on Toad Lane, following Manchester Road to Middleton via the Olde Boar’s Head and Boggart Hole Clough into the city centre covering around 12-miles in total.

Greg also hopes to be joined by a friend and his brother, and has asked local athletes to join him on the day.

To sponsor Greg, please visit:

• donate.justgiving.com/donation-amount