PHOTOGRAPHY

Cable Street, Shadwell, 4th October 1936

In October 1936, 300-500,000 anti-fascist residents gathered to block Oswald Mosley's fascists Blackshirts marching through east London. Over 6,000 police repeatedly attempted to clear a way but residents barricaded the streets with anything available.

Commercial Road, Aldgate, August-September 1889

In August 1889 150,000 low paid dockers began a strike to improve working conditions and pay. They rallied support in the city by daily marches along Commercial Road. The processions had a huge impact and the strike was won in September.

Bow Quarter, Fairfield Road, Bow, June 1888

In 1888 Annie Besant reported terrible working conditions at Bryant & May match factory in Bow. Three women were sacked. 1,000 workers went on strike. Eventually they won union recognition, the first group of unskilled women workers in Britain to do so.

Crown Gates, Victoria Park, 24 May 1914

Sylvia Pankhurst campaigned for votes for women in East London. In 1914, the Suffragettes attempted a rally in Victoria Park. 20 women chained themselves to Pankurst, but police surrounded them at the gates, broke the chains and attacked the women.

Altab Ali Park, Whitechapel, 4 May 1978

Altab Ali was a Bengali textile worker who was killed by racists in nearby Adler Street on 4 May 1978. The murder sparked outrage in the community and a strong campaign against racism. St Mary’s Church yard was renamed in his memory.

Gladstone Statue, Bow, August 1882

In 1882 a statue to William Gladstone was raised by the owners of Bryant and May. Employees of the factory claimed the statue had been paid for from their wages. At the unveiling some cut their arms and let their blood fall on it.