Salute to the Peterloo fallen

THIS fascinating photograph of the Failsworth veterans was taken in 1883. By then they were aged between 78 and 88, and are still surrounded by banners and reform posters.

Oldham Local Studies and Archives is staging a special exhibition to mark the 190th anniversary of the Peterloo massacre.

Seventeen people were killed, including five from Oldham, and more than 600 people injured, when the cavalry charged to disperse a crowd gathered to discuss parliamentary reform in St Peter’s Field, Manchester.

On Sunday, a group of Oldham people will re-enact the walk from Saddleworth and parts of Oldham to Manchester, carrying the famous flag used by the 19th century marchers and usually on show in Saddleworth Museum.

The display runs until August 22, at the archives, 84 Union Street, Oldham