International Encyclopedia of Revolution and Protest

Extract

An English radical orator and activist who advocated universal suffrage and annual parliaments, Henry Hunt was born in Wiltshire, the son of a gentleman farmer. He was educated at the local grammar school and then returned to work on the family estate, taking it over when his father died. In his late twenties he met the radical lawyer Henry Clifford and his circle of friends. Through them he became involved in politics and soon established himself as a supporter of House of Commons independent Francis Burdett . An excellent public speaker, he was asked to speak in front of large groups across the country. He advocated annual parliaments, universal suffrage, and secret balloting – positions he also espoused when he stood, unsuccessfully, as the radical candidate for Westminster in 1818. On August 16, 1819, Hunt was asked to speak to a meeting of over 60,000 people demonstrating for parliamentary reform at St. Peter's Fields. His friend William Cobbett had already turned down an invitation, concerned that things would turn violent. Worried about an uprising, the authorities had decided to arrest the leaders, but the meeting remained peaceful until the yeomanry charged into the crowd. Then chaos ensued; several hundred people were injured and 11 were killed in what has become known as the Peterloo Massacre . In the aftermath Hunt, Samuel Bamford, and several others were arrested ... log in or subscribe to read full text