The 1926 General Strike at 90 - what is its relevance now?

The 1926 General Strike at 90: What is its relevance now?
London Socialist Historians Group conference
Saturday 21 May 2016 from midday
Room NB02, Lower Ground Floor
Institute of Historical Research
Senate House, Malet Street London WC1E 7HU


Special constables in Hornsey being issued with truncheons (Getty)

The aim of the conference is to look at new research and potential areas of interest in
the events of 1926 and to ask what relevance the events of 90 years ago have not only to
Britain but elsewhere in the world today.

There is a job of work to be done in making sure younger generations in particular have
heard of the General Strike and understand what the struggle was about, but the aim of
the conference is to focus specifically on new research areas and angles.

There has been one new book in the area, on the General Strike in fiction, which was
reviewed by Ian Birchall in the Spring 2016 issue of the London Socialist Historians
Newsletter. Other areas which may be worth more exploration include the miners’
lockout from 12 May to November 1926, the role of the coal owners and who they were,
and the same for the ‘volunteers’ who broke the strike.

Speakers confirmed so far include Daryl Leeworthy, who has been researching the strike
in South Wales, and Ian Birchall on how 1926 was seen in France.

There will be a roundtable including Sue Bruley, who has previously published on women
and the General Strike, and Keith Flett.

FREE ADMISSION, DONATIONS WELCOME
For more information contact London Socialist Historians Group:
keith1917@btinternet.com

Edited to add: Ian Birchall's paper from the conference - how 1926 was seen by the French left - is now online here