The area around St Peter 's Square , then known as St Peter 's Field , was the site of the 1819 Peterloo Massacre . The name derives from St Peter 's Church which was built in 1788-94 where the gardens are today and also gave its name to Peter Street . The church was built in the neoclassical style by the architect James Wyatt , and was once famous for its church music . It was demolished in 1907 and the Cenotaph replaced it in 1924 . A stone cross ( 1908 ) commemorates the church . The square is the site for the city 's Remembrance Day commemoration each year
Peterloo Massacre
Peterloo Massacre
St Peter's Square, Manchester