Rare Peterloo artefact to go on display at People’s History Museum

The symbolic piece will feature as part of the exhibition 'Distrupt? Peterloo and Protest' until 23 February 2020. Credit: People’s History Museum

A rare Peterloo artefact is to go on display at People's History Museum from Friday 19 July 2019.

The Peterloo cane is one of the few items to have witnessed what took place in Manchester on 16 August 1819, when a protest by 60,000 working people for rights and representation turned into an event that saw loss of lives and the injury of hundreds.

It is thought protestors at Peterloo carried a walking stick or cane. Credit: People’s History Museum

The Peterloo cane has been donated by the family of Charles Worsley, who is believed to have been a protestor and dressed, like so many others, in his Sunday best with the walking cane a part of his attire, as was the fashion of the time.

The Peterloo cane has been donated by the family of Charles Worsley. Credit: People’s History Museum

Sam Jenkins, Collections Officer at People’s History Museum, said:

The symbolic piece will feature as part of the exhibition 'Distrupt? Peterloo and Protest' until 23 February 2020, which is supported by The National Lottery Heritage Fund.