A Lawful Assembly? | Peterloo: Britain’s Forgotten Massacre (Part 1)

2026-08-03

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Men, women and children gather at St Peter’s Field, fuelled by hope, unaware of the chaos that’s to come.In August 1819, tens of thousands gather in Manchester for one of Britain’s largest ever peaceful protests. Among them is weaver William Cheatham, who has travelled miles to stand with the crowd. As anticipation builds at St Peter’s Field, host Jen Baldwin and historian David Olusoga explore the ideas, tensions, and fears surrounding this unprecedented meeting. Because before the violence begins, the conditi...

Men, women and children gather at St Peter’s Field, fuelled by hope, unaware of the chaos that’s to come.

In August 1819, tens of thousands gather in Manchester for one of Britain’s largest ever peaceful protests. Among them is weaver William Cheatham, who has travelled miles to stand with the crowd.

As anticipation builds at St Peter’s Field, host Jen Baldwin and historian David Olusoga explore the ideas, tensions, and fears surrounding this unprecedented meeting. Because before the violence begins, the conditions for it are already falling into place.

Host and researcher: Jen Baldwin

Guest: David Olusoga

Editor: Caroline Harrower

Script editors: Niall Cullen, Daisy Goddard, and Madeleine Gilbert

Producers: Madeleine Gilbert, Ellie Ayton, and James Plumb

Designer: Michael McCosh

Social media: Sarah Cornes

Executive Producers: Helen Kaye and Steve James

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