To mark the centenary of the 1926 General Strike and miners’ lockout, BRHG members are involved in a project to commemorate the strike in Bristol and the surrounding area. The outcome of this will either be a number of pamphlets on general strike themes or a book containing a number of essays. The aim is for the publications to be launched in April or early May 2026 and that the launch will coincide with a commemorative event.
The centenary of the start of the strike will be on May 4th 2026.
The themes identified so far are:
- The national context and the story of the strike in the Bristol area
- The strike in the print industry
- The involvement of the shop workers
- The role of the Trades Council
- The miners’ lockout in the Forest of Dean
- The miners’ lockout in the Somerset coalfield
- The miners’ lockout in Kingswood and South Gloucestershire
- The involvement of volunteers as strike breakers and Special Constables
- The impact on women and children
Work has already started on some of these themes; other research will begin shortly. Contributors have already volunteered to research and write but there is still scope for others to join in.
BRHG have joined the co-ordination which is underway to bring together as many museums, libraries, archives and local history groups as possible in a national celebration of the Strike.
In this blog by Henry Fowler, Assistant General Secretary of the General Federation of Trade Unions, he describes ‘Making history, not reliving it – the national partnership to celebrate 100 anniversary of the General Strike 1926’.
If you would like to contribute please contact us.
Stuff linked to this project...
Articles (1)
1926 General Strike In Bristol
Blog (3)
Mass meeting on the Downs – 16 May 1926
