Walk in the steps of giants
Date published: 11 August 2009
SUNDAY August 16, 2009, is the 190th anniversary of the infamous Peterloo Massacre.
That was the fateful day when sabre-wielding cavalry in Manchester cleared a crowd of 70,000 men, women and children who had gathered from all over the area (estimated 10,000 from Oldham) to demand the reform of Parliamentary representation.
To commemorate this event of huge significance, Oldham Community Radio 99.7fm has organised a “Commemorative Peterloo Walk” from Oldham to Manchester following in the footsteps of the original reformers.
Those taking part can join the walk at a point close to their home or at any convenient part of the route down into Manchester.
However, to ensure that the walk is safe and well supervised. All walkers to register by tomorrow (details of how to register are in the panel).
It is planned that the present day “Oldham Contingent” will start as very small groups, six to 10 strong, from several parts of the area (Lydgate, Lees, Moorside, Shaw and Royton) and build in number as they make their way to the Rochdale Road entrance of the civic centre.
In 1819 this area was known as Bent Green and according to the Blue Plaque above this entrance is the place where the locals gathered before setting off to Manchester.
On route they will be joined by walkers from Chadderton and Failsworth who will proceed to the Great Ancoats Street area of Manchester for noon and a short rest before crossing the city centre for a short ceremony at the original site of the 1819 meeting, St Peter’s Fields, in front of the G.Mex Arena.
Oldham Community Radio 99.7fm station manager David McGealy said: “Peterloo was a defining moment in the history of this country and due to the industrial revolution, the world.
“The issues it raised would resonate around the globe and down the years. It was the Tiananmen Square of its day, but this one happened close up and personal. We should never forget the sacrifices made by our ancestors, the ordinary people of Manchester and the surrounding areas, in winning for us rights we take for granted.
“Everything they asked for, with the exception of annual parliaments, have since become a reality. The iniquitous Corn Laws were repealed, the inhabitants of Manchester and the other industrial towns got MPs to represent their interests, all men, and later women, have an equal say (a vote by secret ballot) as to who controls their local area and who forms their national government.
“For years it may have looked like Peterloo was a failure as the government clamped down on all protest. But in a very English revolutionary way the changes sought at Peterloo, came about.”
“Now, almost 200 years later, we should remember and honour those who set off excitedly wearing their Sunday best and in fine spirits for Manchester in glorious sunshine that Monday morning. That day the area we now call Oldham borough lost four citizens killed and scores were wounded and some injured for life.
“Perhaps we should try to imagine the thoughts and fears of those same protesters as they hurried back to their homes in the country as our area was referred to by the then residents of Manchester. Some had seen friends killed or severely wounded by sabres.
Many had witnessed sights that few outside battles had seen. They may have been terrified and worried as to where members of their family and friends were.
“The danger didn’t all end at St Peter’s Field, a few protesters were wounded hours later and miles away.”
Walkers are encouraged to start from one of the following places:
::Lydgate (meet outside the church to set off at 7.35am)
::Lees (village centre to join those from Lydgate about 8.15am)
::Moorside (Turf Lane junction to set off 7.55am)
::Shaw (War Memorial to set off at 7.45am)
::Royton (outside Town Hall 8.10am)
::All the above will meet outside the Oldham Civic Centre, Rochdale Road entrance to officially sent of by the Mayor of Oldham, Cllr James McArdle after the Flag raising ceremony. (leave down Manchester Road at 9am).
::Chadderton Town Hall (via the Dog Inn (one of the original starting points) and Block Lane at 9.15am) to meet the main group in the Chamber Road area of Manchester Road at 9.40am.
::Failsworth (Failsworth Pole to set off at 10.20am).
::Great Ancoats Street, Manchester 12.00 noon for G.Mex area at 1.00pm
Walkers need to register who they are; how many in the group (if more than one); where they wish to start from.
They need to register by tomorrow by e-mail: studio@oldhamcommunityradio.com by text: 07905 10 22 55; or by phone 0161-682 5599.
