Plaque to be situated on North Bridge to commemorate those fatally injured in Halifax during Great Strike

A Calderdale Trades Union Council plaque is to be mounted in Halifax to commemorate the people who were fatally injured on 16 August 1842 during the Great Strike when many thousands rallied for decent wages and parliamentary reforms.
By Tom Scargill
Published 17th Aug 2020, 14:58 BST
Mark Metcalf, Peter Keal (middle) of The Trades Council and Daniel Whittall, a local NEU rep, on North Bridge on the 178th anniversary of the events on 16 August 1842Mark Metcalf, Peter Keal (middle) of The Trades Council and Daniel Whittall, a local NEU rep, on North Bridge on the 178th anniversary of the events on 16 August 1842
Mark Metcalf, Peter Keal (middle) of The Trades Council and Daniel Whittall, a local NEU rep, on North Bridge on the 178th anniversary of the events on 16 August 1842

The red plaque, permission for which has just been granted by Calderdale Council, will be fixed on North Bridge.

Help towards the costs of the plaque has begun with a donation from the Fire Brigade’s Union regionally. A number of workplace representatives of the National Education Union (NEU) have also backed the plans.

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The unveiling event, the date for which has yet to be decided, will feature a number of prominent speakers and it is hoped that school students will be able attend.

The plaque designThe plaque design
The plaque design

Peter Keal, of Calderdale TUC, said: “Exactly 23 years after Peterloo 1819 there was Halifax 1842 when thousands who joined the national Great Strike for decent wages and parliamentary democracy were brutally attacked and a number killed.

“Ultimately the long successful struggle for parliamentary democracy and the right to organise at work was built on the sacrifice of those who took to the streets of Halifax in August 1842. This is our small way of remembering them. We hope as many Halifax people as possible can join us on the unveiling day and also feel proud about their descendants roles in fighting for a better world.”

The Fire Brigades Union said: “We are proud to be supporting Calderdale Trades Union Council with their successful campaign to erect a red plaque in commemoration to those brave men and women who were injured or killed on the 16 August 1842. At last a fitting tribute will be made for all those brave souls fighting for a better tomorrow.”

For more details, including how to make a donation, contact Peter Keal on 07882 196491 or [email protected].

Related topics:HalifaxCalderdale Council

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