Commemorating the Battle of Lewes Road

On Tuesday 11 May 1926 – ‘the battle of Lewes Road’ took place – a violent clash during the British general strike of 1926 between over 300 foot police and 50 mounted ‘special constables’ and up to 4,000 strikers, trade unionists and their supporters trying to stop strike breakers training at the tram depot in Lewes Road in Brighton (now the bus garage / Brighton Electric). There were 17 arrests on the day and two cases of serious injury, and the brutality meted out towards those peacefully protesting lived on long in the collective memory of Brighton’s labour movement. The ‘battle of Lewes road’ has become part of the social history of Brighton and so on the centenary of the event in May 2026 deserves commemoration.

This event organised by Brighton and Hove Trades Council will include talks on the general strike of 1926 with speakers including Judy Cox, co-author of Revisiting the General Strike of 1926: When Workers Were Ready To Dare (2026) and a film showing of 'The Battle of Lewes Road' (1984) and discussion of how it was made by Brighton History Workshop with Chris Nichols and Roger West. We will have a full programme here with full list of speakers and timings once it is ready - please note there will be a plaque unveiling to The Battle of Lewes Road at Tramway House (Brighton Electric) at 12noon before this event everyone is welcome to join.

Saturday 9 May - 12 noon - Plaque Unveiling at Tramway House, Lewes Road with Sian Berry MP and others

1pm-5pm - Event at Mithras House to commemorate The Battle of Lewes Road

1pm-2.30pm - Remembering the General Strike at 100 - Henry Fowler, co-ordinator of the General Strike 100 national partnership and Judy Cox, co-author of Revisiting the General Strike of 1926: When Workers Were Ready To Dare (2026)

3pm-4.30pm - film showing of 'The Battle of Lewes Road' (1984) and discussion of how it was made by Brighton History Workshop with Chris Nichols and Roger West.

Please also note there is a gig to commemorate the centenary of the Battle of Lewes Road on Monday 11 May at 7pm Brighton Electric with David Rovics and Robb Johnson - tickets here:

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/gig-remembering-the-battle-of-lewes-road-david-rovics-and-robb-johnson-tickets-1986991933361?aff=oddtdtcreator

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Host or Publisher Brighton and Hove Trades Council