Anniversary Gathering – Bexley Square

Join us with key speakers from Politics, Trade Unions, Human Rights, Housing and Community groups as we reflect upon the battle of Bexley Square and look at how we can use those experiences to build today’s movements for social justice.

The Battle of Bexley Square did not erupt suddenly on 1st October 1931. It was the culmination of years of hardship, unemployment and growing anger among the people of Salford.

The First World War had promised a “land fit for heroes”, but for many returning soldiers the reality was unemployment, overcrowded poor housing and poverty.

During the 1920s, Salford’s traditional industries engineering, textiles, dock work and heavy manufacturing declined sharply.

Thousands of families depended on public assistance simply to survive.

The situation became worse after the Wall Street Crash of 1929 triggered a worldwide economic depression. By 1931 unemployment in Salford had reached devastating levels. The newly formed National Government introduced severe cuts to unemployment benefits while enforcing the hated Means Test where officials to examined entire family incomes before granting relief. Many unemployed people felt they were suffering for circumstances beyond their control. Suffering to protect the rich

Determined to resist these policies, 10,000 trade unions, unemployed workers’ organisations and labour activists sought to petition Salford council.

Their aim was simple: to demand adequate relief, dignity and justice for those suffering the effects of mass unemployment. They were met with police baton and violence.