"Stroud and Mid Gloucester Working Mens Conservative Association Benefit Society badge" [NMLH.2025.23.7]

Catalogue Number
NMLH.2025.23.7

Object Name
badge

Title
'Stroud and Mid Gloucester Working Mens Conservative Association Benefit Society. God helps them who help themselves.'

Place
Stroud, Gloucester, England, UK

People
Conservative Party, Stroud and Mid Gloucester Working Mens Conservative Association Benefit Society

Description
A round gold badge with a red rim. Gold lettering around the rim says 'Stroud and Mid Gloucester Working Mens Conservative Association Benefit Society'. At the centre on a blue background is an image of shaking hands with the caption 'God helps them who help themselves.'

This badge was created by the Stroud and Mid Gloucester Working Mens Conservative Association Benefit Society. The slogan 'God helps them who help themselves' is indicative of Conservative values around mutual aid, the welfare state and alleviating poverty.

Working mens' associations are clubs that began to form in the Victorian era to provide spaces for working class men to socialise, engage in education and sports. The education offerings often had a political element to them, with speakers arranged who would deliver lectures from a specific angle that was party specific. Many working mens' clubs that still exist in the present era are either attached to the Conservative Party or the Labour Party. Despite the name, not all clubs were or are men only, and many had mixed gender activities and activities aimed at women.

Badges are an important way for political parties and their supporters to communicate their beliefs and values to others. This can help start conversations with friends or strangers which may encourage others to vote for the party.

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