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. If you would like to contribute please write to brh@brh.org.uk.