"Primrose League Stretford Habitation banner" [NMLH.1993.764.2]

Catalogue Number
NMLH.1993.764.2

Object Name
Banner

Title
'Stretford Habitation No.1861'

Place
Stretford, Manchester, UK

People
Primrose League, Conservative Party, Benjamin Disraeli

Description
A blue banner with gold writing, and a garland of primroses surrounding a coat of arms.


This banner belonged to the Stretford branch or 'habitation' of the Primrose League. It was discovered in the cellar of Stretford Conservative Club and is thought to have been carried by Scouts or Girl Guides. The Primrose League was a grass roots organisation to promote patriotic and conservative values following the death of Conservative Prime Minister Benjamin Disraeli in 1883. The primrose was chosen as the symbol of the league because it was considered the favourite flower of Benjamin Disraeli.


The league's popularity led to the establishment of local habitations or branches. They were called habitations rather than lodges so as not to deter Catholic membership. Catholics might have associated the term 'lodge' with the Orange Order. At its peak, the league had over two million paid up members, which included significant numbers of women, lower middle class, and working class people. Members would meet up regularly through a programme of social events. The Primrose summer fête, often held in the grounds of stately homes, was its biggest annual event.

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