The Matchgirls’ Strike
Category: Equality, History
Contents (Jump to Section)
Introduction
In the summer of 1888, fourteen hundred workers walked out of Bryant & May’s match factory in the East End of London. They eventually won their dispute, going on to inspire the Great Dock Strike of 1889, and sowing the seeds of the modern labour movement.
The Matchgirls Strike of 1888
The following video from History Hub explores the story of the Matchgirls Strike of 1888, including the role of socialist campaigner Annie Besant.
The 1888 Matchgirls Strike
In this article from BBC History Extra, Dr Louise Raw explains how a group of East End women took on a ruthless cartel and changed the course of British labour history. Click here.
Sarah Chapman and the Matchgirls’ Strike
In the next video Sam Johnson, great granddaughter of Sarah Chapman talks about the strike, the conditions that led to it and Sarah Chapman’s role in it.
The Matchgirls Memorial
This website aims to raise the awareness of the Matchgirls strike of 1888 and has a wide ranging collection of resources and materials. Click here.
