Founded in 1960, the Society for the Study of Labour History (SSLH) is the UK’s principal organisation dedicated to the study of labour history.

Membership is open to everyone who would like to learn more about labour history and heritage whether on a professional or amateur basis.

The SSLH publishes the journal the Labour History Review, organises regular conferences and actively promotes the preservation of historical resources connected to the labour movement.

What’s new

Labour History Review

Winners of the LHR postgraduate essay prize named

The 2026 Labour History Review essay prize has been awarded to Peter Hanley (Queen’s University Belfast) and the runner-up prize to Paloma Miravet Llorens (Universitat Jaume I). Peter Hanley (Queen’s University Belfast) received the award for his essay, ‘Thinking the unthinkable? Frank Field and the limits of welfare reform under New Labour, 1997-2001’. And Paloma… Continue reading Winners of the LHR postgraduate essay prize named

November 3, 2026November 3, 2026

Books etc

Book Launch: Shout for Freedom – the sound of Chartism

Members and supporters of the Society for the Study of Labour History are invited to the launch of Shout for Freedom: A Sonic History of Chartism and the Origins of British Democracy, a new book by Dr David Kennerley. From the clank of machinery to the beauty of birdsong, the tramp of marching feet to… Continue reading Book Launch: Shout for Freedom – the sound of Chartism

October 16, 2026October 19, 2026

Labour history news

Ex-national servicemen: oral history interview data available now

An important social history resource, based on extensive oral history interviews with former national servicemen, is now available through the Data Archive Service. Professor Peter Gurney has deposited a significant catalogue of life story transcripts with the Data Archive Service, University of Essex. Funded by the Leverhulme Trust, the oral history interviews with (mainly working-class)… Continue reading Ex-national servicemen: oral history interview data available now

October 6, 2026

Commentary

Idris Davies: the ‘Angry Summer of 1926’

This year has seen a flurry of events, broadcasts, and publications marking the centenary of the 1926 General Strike. Amongst all the books and articles published, one powerful account of 1926 is in danger of being overlooked or forgotten. Mike Mecham recounts Idris Davies’s ‘The Angry Summer: a poem of 1926’. I was introduced to… Continue reading Idris Davies: the ‘Angry Summer of 1926’

October 2, 2026

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