We asked historians to tell us about a place in labour history of significance or importance, even if only to them. Here, in a series of blog posts, our panel tell us about the place in labour history they chose – and why.
County Hotel, Durham: a place in labour history
In the first article in the series, Duncan Hamilton tells the story of the Durham Miners’ Gala’s long association with the County Hotel.
Wembley Stadium, London: a place in labour history
Jane Donaldson introduces a venue better known for sporting events but which in the summer of 1938 hosted a large Co-operative pageant called ‘Towards Tomorrow.’
Baddiley Churchyard, Cheshire: a place in labour history
Mark Crail visits the quiet country church where the Chartist writer and first translator of The Communist Manifesto, Helen Macfarlane is buried.
West Ham: a place in labour history
Mike Mecham argues that West Ham and Canning Town in East London form a cornerstone of the British labour movement.
Coney Street, York: a place in labour history
Kathy Davies introduces Coney Street in York to tell the story of the York branch of the National Union of Journalists (NUJ) who came out on strike in 1978, during the ‘winter of discontent’.
The correspondence columns of the anarchist press: a place in labour history
Constance Batman explains why the back pages of French anarchist newspapers are her happy place.
Canklow meadows: a place in labour history
Joe Stanley draws on his family’s history to recall the pit pony races that raised money and the morale of Rotherham miners during the 1926 General Strike.
New Palace Yard: a place in labour history
Dave Steele recalls the long history of extra-parliamentary activity in New Palace Yard, on Parliament’s doorstep.
Cramlington: a place in labour history
Quentin Outram recounts the story of the Northumberland miners who came to be known as the Cramlington train wreckers.
Manchester Free Trade Hall: a place in labour history
Keith Flett revisits the contested site of the Peterloo Massacre.
Miners’ Hall, Barnsley: a place in labour history
Liz Wood introduces the headquarters building of the South Yorkshire Miners’ Association and its continuing importance now the coal industry has gone.
St George’s plateau: a place in labour history
Gregory Billam takes us to St George’s Plateau, where crowds have gathered for more than a century for key social, political, and cultural episodes in the city’s history.
Society for the Study of Labour History 