A SEARCH has been launched to find the descendants of those present at the Peterloo Massacre.

The project forms part of Peterloo 2019, led by Manchester Histories, and will utilise the expertise of genealogist and historian Michala Hulme and the Manchester & Lancashire Family History Society.

Ms Hulme said: “We want to trace the story of Peterloo through the generations, to understand the impact of its legacy in the lives of people.

"We know that in a number of towns Veterans of Peterloo met in the years after the massacre, but records from the time itself are limited in their nature and in what they reveal.

"So we are also fascinated to hear from anyone who believes they have a family link to Peterloo.”

On August 16, 1819, 60,000 people assembled at St Peter's Field in Manchester demanding rights and equality.

Set upon by local government forces, 18 people were killed and around 700 injured in what would come to be known as the Peterloo Massacre.

Today researchers believe the number of those descended from those present that day to be vast, covering a broad geographical area and with myriad stories to tell ­— but all sharing a link to the watershed moment in British history.

Karen Shannon, chief executive of Manchester Histories, said: “Our approach to the 200th anniversary of the Peterloo Massacre is to connect and explore the threads of what happened then to the issues and world of today.

"Peterloo Descendants seems a fitting way to reflect upon the journey of democratic reform and the point that we are at 200 years later.”

Anyone who believes they have a family connections to the events is asked to email Janine@manchesterhistories.co.uk.

And those interested in exploring their family history are invited to a Peterloo 2019 which will be held later this summer.