(3/3) As usual, the Peterloo commemoration centred on the names of those who died in 1819 - some read out by members of their families.
Sean Cooney came to sing his setting of those names from his album Peter's Field. And as ever we were glad to welcome the Lord Mayor, who laid the council's wreath.
![Somerset Archaeological & Natural History Society Webinar
Tom Mayberry
Orator Hunt, Peterloo & the Ilchester Gaol Scandal
[Illustration of a contemporary print showing horsemen attacking the crowd with sabres while Mary Fildes, Henry Hunt et al look on aghast from the hustings, where Mary and other Radicals are holding huge flags calling for reform]
Thursday 21st November 2024 7.30pm
Henry Hunt was renowned as the greatest radical orator of his age. Following the tragic outcome of a mass meeting in St Peter's Fields, Manchester in 1819, he spent 30 months in Ilchester Gaol. There he wrote his autobiography and agitated for prison reform. This talk, first given to mark the bicentenary of the Peterloo Massacre, explores his turbulent life, political career and strong Somerset links.
To register directly, go to:
https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_4q83A4ehQDW1ziXYzKvpdw or email: webinars@sanhs.org
This is a Free event, but donations are greatly appreciated. If you would like to donate, please go to the SANHS website https://sanhs.org/ and use the Donate button. We suggest a donation of £5.
Somerset Archaeological & Natural History Society, Somerset Heritage Centre, Brunel Way, Norton Fitzwarren, Taunton, TA2 6SF
office@sanhs.org 01823 272429 Registered charity number 201929](https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:f6uqkimpmpgu6pa7gui572wx/bafkreig2oauaobt22kv6s7bbvza54d6kotgpjke2nmzzbgsfje25msswdy)
![A contemporary coloured engraving of Peterloo, August 1819. On a makeshift platform Henry Hunt, wearing a white hat, is remonstrating with a soldier, carrying a drawn sabre, who is trying to arrest him; another man, perhaps a supporter, or maybe a local constable, has both hands on his left arm. They are surrounded by men, mostly in top hats, women in bonnets, and banners bearing slogans such as Vote by Ballot, Major Cartwright's Bill, Unite and Be Free, Universal Suffrage, Annual Parliaments, Female Union of Royston [I think], Order Order. The platform is surrounded by a huge crowd, their mouths open and one man spreading his arms as the soldiers force their way through, waving sabres. Buildings with smoking chimneys are visible in the background.](https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:f6uqkimpmpgu6pa7gui572wx/bafkreid5ikyvbg5aog2ohx5nfxkgvhmwt6jgvlfwvebksy3a4ma3xe4bhe)
