The Jarrow Crusade
1936, and again in 1986
By Rosemary Ross
The Jarrow March in Harpenden High Street, 1936
Scan of Postcard supplied by Louise M Emery
The marchers arriving in the centre of Harpenden
Peter Moyse, 1986
The first Jarrow march in 1936 had passed through Harpenden on 29 October on its way to petition the government for help for the unemployed of the North East.
In 1986 a commemorative march was organised, at a time of renewed high unemployment, particularly in the North East. Peter Moyse took these pictures as the march passed along the High Street, probably on 29 October. The marchers were hosted for lunch at the Friends Meeting House by members of Harpenden Branch Labour Party, including Judy Fryd (founder of Mencap), and Pat Wilson, local architect and founder member of Harpenden Local History Society.
They carried the same box as in 1936. Banjo West pushed the wheelchair - see his Comment and trophy below
Peter Moyse, 1986
The Petition box, during a lunch break at the Friends Meeting House, 1986
Susan Pomeroy, 1986
Judy Fryd and Pat Wilson, Friends Meeting House, Harpenden
Susan Pomeroy, 1986
Hugh West's trophy
Hugh West
Hugh West's medal
Hugh West
Photos taken by Susan Pomeroy who escorted the marchers through Harpenden and onwards to the Rally outside the Old Town Hall in St Albans.
Passing the BP garage next to The Old Bell
Susan Pomeroy, October 1986
Marchers passing The Old Bell, having been greeted and escorted into Harpenden
Susan Pomeroy, October 1986
Along Harpenden High Street
Susan Pomeroy, October 1986
First arrivals at the Friends Meeting House, Southdown Road, Harpenden
Susan Pomeroy, October 1986
Arriving for lunch at the Friends Meeting House, Southdown Road
Susan Pomeroy, October 1986
Resting at lunchtime at the Friends Meeting House
Susan Pomeroy, October 1986
Relaxing at the Friends Meeting House
Susan Pomeroy, October 1986
The marchers moving off towards St Albans after lunch
Susan Pomeroy, 1986
Rally in St Albans, addressed by Roy Hattersley MP, with Tony McWalter holding the banner
Susan Pomeroy, October 1986
Rally outside the Old Town Hall, St Albans, October 1986
Susan Pomeroy, October 1986
Nottingham trade unionists joined the march on 20 October 1986 - see Comment
Cllr Michael Edwards