Historian Uncovers Lost Peterloo Survivor Story

Two hundred years after the Peterloo Massacre, a historian has brought to light the compelling story of William Cheatham, a survivor of the tragic event. On August 16, 1819, in Manchester, England, approximately 60,000 people gathered for parliamentary reform when they were met with a violent cavalry charge. This brutal suppression resulted in 18 deaths and hundreds injured, with Cheatham himself nearly losing his life to a sabre.

Using newly discovered research from historical newspaper archives, David Olusoga, alongside fellow historian Jen Baldwin, examines Cheatham's journey. Their podcast series, "A Family History Of Peterloo: Britain's Forgotten Massacre," delves into the often-overlooked narratives of survivors. This initiative, in partnership with Manchester's People's History Museum, aims to recognize the massacre's significance in Britain's democratic development by recounting individual stories of resilience and the pursuit of justice.