A poignant reminder that today is of one of the most important dates in British History although you might find it hard to find in too many school history books or featuring in the media. 18 people were killed and over 650 injured cut down by the sabres of the cavalry. It was a peaceful protesting picnic with families turning out on St Peter’s Field, a surprisingly high number of women were present.

It arguably led to us all getting the vote and the birth of the Manchester Guardian that has enhanced our press reporting. Shelley’s poem “Masque of Anarchy” on the event wasn’t allowed to be published until 1832 10 years after the poet died.