Three fellows with the forename John
Ashton. Ashworth, Lees
Sabred by the cavalry
Cut down, though on their knees.
Another chap, another John
Rhodes being his family name
Died of “Natural Causes”
Tho' sabered, just the same
Bradshaw, Downes, Evans, Fildes
Each one christened Bill
Trampled, shot or simply crushed
By Cavalry, dressed to kill.
James Crompton and Edward Dawson
Departed with a sigh
Despite their wounds and ailments
Took several days to die.
Bob Campbell, a special bobby
Dutifully doing his job
A victim of rough justice
Was murdered by the mob.
Mary Heys, tho' pregnant
For the seventh time
Cut and crushed and battered
Died just near Christmas time.
Sarah Jones of Silk Street
Another ma of seven
By constable's heavy truncheon
Despatched to early heaven.
Arthur Neil, his body crushed
Josh Whitworth, he was shot
Martha Partington to a cellar thrown
She died upon the spot.
Hundreds more were injured
Some scared to show their scars
For fear of courts and lawyers
And iron prison bars.
They met in peace at Peterloo
No thoughts of blood or pain
A simple public meeting
Hoping for small gain.
It took a massive length of time
To change the status quo
But courage is its own reward
For standing 'gainst the foe.
Graham Gillis