The Ainsworth family moved to Smedly Lane , north of Manchester in Cheetham Hill , during 1811 . They kept the old residence in addition to the new , but resided in the new home most of the time . The surrounding hilly country was covered in woods , which allowed Ainsworth and his brother to act out various stories . When not playing , Ainsworth was tutored by his uncle , William Harrison . In March 1817 , he was enrolled at Manchester Grammar School , which was described in his novel '' Mervyn Clitheroe '' . The work emphasised that his classical education was of good quality but was reinforced with strict discipline and corporal punishment . Ainsworth was a strong student and was popular among his fellow students . His school days were mixed ; his time within the school and with his family was calm even though there were struggles within the Manchester community , the Peterloo Massacre taking place in 1819 . Ainsworth was connected to the event because his uncles joined in protest at the incident , but Ainsworth was able to avoid most of the political after-effects . During the time , he was able to pursue his own literary interests and even created his own little theatre within the family home at King Street . Along with his friends and brother , he created and acted in many plays throughout 1820
Peterloo Massacre
Peterloo Massacre
William Harrison Ainsworth