ONE of the bloodiest days in Manchester's history should be commemorated with a fitting memorial, according to campaigners.

Eleven people died and 500 were injured when cavalry troops charged crowds of peaceful protestors on August 16, 1819, on St Peter's Fields - land now occupied by the Radisson Edwardian Hotel.

More than 60,000 had travelled into the city to listen to the words of Henry `Orator' Hunt, a well-know political campaigner of the time who spoke about parliamentary reform.

But magistrates, fearing an uprising, ordered his arrest and for the crowds to disperse. When they did not, the soldiers drew their sabres and charged - killing several protestors including a woman and child.

Yesterday, on the 188th anniversary of the Peterloo Massacre, another group a protestors gathered on the site to demand a new commemorative plaque and a monument to those who fell.

Cartoonist Peter Fitzgerald, 46, who lives in Hulme, is leading the campaign. "We believe the current blue plaque, the only public memorial to this crucial event in the history of democracy, is both euphemistic and insulting," he said.

"Can you imagine what you would think if you went to Tiananmen Square and saw a similarly vague plaque about the massacre.

"You would be justified in thinking it was a disgusting insult to those who died."

Peter and 50 fellow campaigners laid flowers by the hotel, formerly the Free Trade Hall, yesterday (Thursday) and displayed a new version of the plaque and possible designs for a memorial.

Tribute

They want it to be a tribute to those who have died around the world in the name of political and economic freedom.

"To replace the plaque will cost £250. If the council will not pay this, we'll have a whip round. Such an event needs an appropriate plaque and eventually a larger monument."

Sir Richard Leese, council leader, agrees the plaque should be replaced with one that more accurately describes the events of the day.

"We are intending to mark the Peterloo Massacre as a key point in the history of the city and indeed the country. It is a tragedy befitting a memorial.

"The issue was first raised with me by school children from Salford who understand the need to remember those who lost their lives and the reason they came together.

"The city also intends to mark the Suffragette movement and the Abolition of Slavery, and we will work towards creating public monuments to remember such important moments in our history."

What would be an appropriate memorial? Have your say below.