Keir Hardie Hall, Norwich: Keir Hardie’s Last Anti-War Speech
The man who is considered the founding father of the Labour Party
On Easter 1915, the Independent Labour Party held its annual conference in Norwich. The party’s anti-war stance meant delegates like party founder Keir Hardie were abused in the street.
Hardie was already ill when he came to Norwich and he delivered what has been described by his biographer, Archibald Fenner Brockway, as his “last great speech”. He also spoke out against the disciplinary action taken against soldiers who wouldn’t fight.
Keir Hardie is remembered as one of the founding fathers of today’s Labour Party, formed by parts of the ILP, trade unions and other social democratic groups who, unlike Hardie, supported the war effort of 1914-18.
A hall in the city was renamed in his honour. Today the building on St Gregory’s Alley is used as a working men’s club and hosts a range of cultural activities.
Bob Holman is Hardie’s biographer and a member of the Keir Hardie Society. He believes its important Hardie’s anti-war stance is remembered during the centenary commemorations.
Location: Keir Hardie Hall, 9 St Gregorys Alley, Norwich NR2 1ER
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