Manchester and Salford Yeomanry

After the political riots in March, 1817, Magistrates in Manchester decided to form the Manchester and Salford Yeomanry Cavalry. Major Thomas Trafford, was appointed commander of the Yeomanry. Hugh Birley, a factory owner from Manchester, was given the rank of captain and became Major Trafford's second-in-command. Over one hundred and twenty men volunteered to serve in the Manchester & Salford Yeomanry. The occupations of these men included shopkeepers, publicans, watchmakers, insurance agents, tobacconists, farriers, horsebreakers and brewers. Members of the Yeomanry tended to hold Tory political opinions and had a deep hatred of Radicals.

Manchester and Salford Yeomanry at Peterloo
Manchester and Salford Yeomanry at Peterloo