Learning Curve
Power, Politics and Protest
The growth of political rights in Britain in the 19th century
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source 2 transcript 
Engraving of the events at St Peter’s Fields on 16 August 1819 in Manchester
(Catalogue ref: MPI 1/134)
flash version
MPI 1/134; engraving of events at St Peter’s Fields, 1819

As you study the source, ask yourself:

  • Take a close look at the source and describe what is happening.
  • Who is the artist showing sympathy for? Give clear reasons to support your answer.
  • How would a historian check if this engraving shows a fair picture of what happened?
  • What other sources would be useful to see in order for you to understand what happened?
  • This picture was seized from its owner, John Jenkins, by Devon magistrates in November 1819 and Jenkins was arrested. Why do you think the authorities arrested the man who owned this picture?
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