Event | 1926 General Strike centenary open day

With academics, activists, trade unionists, and heritage professionals, explore the 1926 General Strike, and discover rare archive materials from the time of this unprecedented act of unity.

A collaboration between John Rylands Library, the National Co-operative Archive, People’s History Museum, and Working Class Movement Library, with support from the Society for the Study of Labour History.

Part of PHM’s programme of activity exploring the history of strikes and solidarity.

Suitable for 14+ (under 16s must have an accompanying adult).

Book your place now 

• Ticket includes tea and coffee
• Please note lunch is not included; we recommend PHM’s café Gather.  A picnic area is available for attendees bringing their own food and drink
• If you have any access requirements please contact us ahead of the event on access@phm.org.uk or 0161 838 9190

Programme for the day:

10.15am – 10.30am: Tea and coffee

10.30am – 10.35am: Welcome
Jenny Mabbott, People’s History Museum

10.35am – 11.15am: Keynote
Nine Days in May: The General Strike of 1926 – Dr Jonathan Schneer

11.15am – 12.15pm: Presentations followed by Q&A
Exploring the General Strike
Chair – Janette Martin, John Rylands Library

• Why do we call the General Strike a General Strike? – Professor Kevin Morgan
• Revolution, spies and fascist strikebreakers: The General Strike of 1926 – Dr Oliver Price
•  The General Strike in Cumberland and Westmorland – Dr Joe Rigby

12.15pm – 1.15pm: Lunch break and exploration

• Discover General Strike materials from the collections of John Rylands Library, the National Co-operative Archive, People’s History Museum, and Working Class Movement Library
• Explore PHM’s new exhibition On The Line: 100 years of strikes & solidarity, open 10.00am to 5.00pm

1.15pm – 2.15pm: Presentations followed by Q&A
Women and the General Strike
Chair – Ali Ronan, Trailblazers! Women of Greater Manchester

• ‘Abasing herself and her class’: Susan Lawrence and General Strike – Richard Temple
• ‘Red Ellen’ and the Plebs: Interpreting the General Strike – Professor Mike Sanders
• ‘Duty’ and ‘Service’ in a ‘National Emergency’: Ex-Servicewomen and the General Strike, 1926 – Dr Jane Clarke

2.15pm – 3.00pm: Presentations followed by Q&A
Rowntree, the Co-op and the General Strike
Chair – Jane Donaldson, National Co-operative Archive

• The General Strike at Rowntree & Co – Nick Smith
• The Co-op and the general strike: a crisis for co-operation? – Professor Tony Taylor

3.00pm – 3.15pm: Tea and coffee break and exploration

• Discover General Strike materials from the collections of John Rylands Library, the National Co-operative Archive, People’s History Museum, and Working Class Movement Library
• View the Trailblazers! Women of Greater Manchester banner

3.15pm – 4.15pm: Panel discussion
What is the legacy of the 1926 General Strike?
Chair – Belinda Scarlett, Working Class Movement Library
Panellists – Dr Jonathan Schneer, Professor Chris Godden, and Michael Agboh-Davison