1926 General Strike 100-year exhibition on show at Ashford Museum

To mark the centenary of the 1926 General Strike, an exhibition is being held at Ashford Museum to celebrate Ashford’s role in Britain’s only ever national General Strike, from its roots in the coal crisis to its impact on everyday life.

The Ashford Museum, located in the churchyard opposite St Mary’s Church, is open from 11am to 2pm from Tuesday to Saturday, between April and October. 

This follows on from a successful launch event at the Ashford Cinema on Sunday 2nd May, which saw over a hundred people attend.

Ashford’s status as a major railway town meant that it played a key role in the strike, with authorities watching Ashford closely to test whether railways could function without their trained workforce. 

The strikes were peaceful but highly organised, with mass meetings, large marches to Victoria Park, fundraising events, and community calls to “buy only what is required.” Local people looked after one another: relief funds, strike dances, and “Help the Miners” campaigns supported families, with women playing central roles in organising food and aid.

Using both the national context and the local experience of Ashford, this exhibition shows how the strike was organised, how communities responded, and why it remains such a powerful moment in working-class and trade union history. 

Despite ending after nine days the miners’ struggle continued for months, and its legacy shaped labour law, trade unions and community memory for generations.

The Mayor of Ashford, Cllr Lyn Suddards, said: “We held a marvellous launch event, which brought together history lovers, film goers trade unionists and politicians from across all parties. It was humbling to hear from the legendary Ken Loach to introduce his 1971 film General Strike. He particularly appreciated our new local history boards and was a captivating speaker. 

“Historian Simon Renton and President of the GMB Union, Barbara Plant also spoke about the historical and current relevance of trade unionism. The Deputy Lord Leftenant Geraldine Allison said how much she had learned and how much she had enjoyed the event.   

“It was a hugely success event, and an exhibition is being held at the Ashford Museum so everyone can learn about this important event.”