 One direct consequence of Peterloo was the foundation of the Manchester Guardian newspaper in 1821 , by the Little Circle group of non @-@ conformist Manchester businessmen headed by John Edward Taylor , a witness to the massacre . The prospectus announcing the new publication proclaimed that it would " zealously enforce the principles of civil and religious Liberty ... warmly advocate the cause of Reform ... endeavour to assist in the diffusion of just principles of Political Economy and ... support , without reference to the party from which they emanate , all serviceable measures " . 
