What did the people who stood on Cable Street in 1936 really see, feel, and believe?
What were the voices – on both sides – of those who lived through one of the most defining confrontations in Cockney and working-class history?
On the eve of the 90th anniversary of the Battle of Cable Street, we hosted a fascinating webinar with Pippa Catterall, Professor of History and Policy at the University of Westminster, who shared her research on Cable Street dating from 1991.
Pippa assembled a remarkable gathering from both sides of the battle and recorded their recollections. In our seminar, thanks to actors voicing these recollections we get an opportunity to hear the testimonies of both Blackshirts and the anti-fascists who resisted them.
What motivated them to march or to resist? What was the tension, the danger, and the atmosphere on the streets like? Were there flashes of humour; and moments of fear?
