About

In 1926, 1.7 million workers across the UK went on strike to protest wage reductions and worsening conditions for coal miners. Gloucester stood at the crossroads of industry and coalfield, with links both to the Forest of Dean and the national drama of 1926.

Often characterised as a Communist plot, the General Strike was seen as a missed opportunity by the left. The Labour Party and Trade Union Congress largely ignored it or retreated from it as soon as possible. The King was delighted no one was shot and Joseph Stalin used it to consolidate his position in the politburo. Little of this concerned Gloucester strikers, who took it as a comradely adventure.

In his talk, leading local historian Tony Conder explores the strike in Gloucester alongside both the national background, and the more bitter miners' strike in the Forest of Dean.

A speaker and published author, Tony Conder was Curator of the British Waterways Collection for 25 years. In 1988 he opened the National Waterways Museum at Gloucester and in 1999 became Curator to the Waterways Trust, taking the collection to national designated status.

Tickets are just £5 per person and the talk is part of a month-long event series to commemorate 100 years since the General Strike.