Bolton Library and Museum is marking the centenary of one of the largest industrial disputes in British history with a special display.
100 years ago, in May 1926, millions of workers across Britain took part in the General Strike.
The strike originated as a dispute between coal mine owners and miners over reduced wages and longer working hours.
When the Trades Union Congress (TUC) declared their support for the miners, other industrial workers - including those in transport, engineering, and textiles - also walked out, and it became the first ever General Strike in British history.
The strike was called on 3 May 1926 and lasted nine days, where the first few days of the strike saw the transport network in Bolton grind to a halt without bus and train drivers.
Food deliveries were delayed, and some textile mills stopped operating.
The Bolton Trades Council and its specially formed “Council of Action” played a key coordinating role during the strike.
They organised local transport, maintained essential services, and supervised the picketing of places of work by strikers.
On 10 May 1926, the Council of Action coordinated a large-scale picket line of nearly 1,200 people and 57 motorcyclists as part of the strike.
The strike ended on 12 May 1926 following an agreement between the TUC and the government, although coal miners continued their struggle for several months.
Bolton Council’s Executive Cabinet Member for Culture, Cllr Debbie Newall, said:
“The 1926 General Strike was a defining moment in our national and local history.
“This display gives residents and visitors a chance to explore how the events unfolded here in Bolton, and to reflect on the experiences of the people who lived through it.
“By showcasing these important archive materials, we are helping to keep their stories alive for future generations, as well as giving us an opportunity to pay tribute to the Bolton Trades Council and its Council of Action.
“I think it’s appropriate that their efforts on behalf of the people of Bolton should be commemorated."
The display, located in Bolton Central Library, features unique archival material from the period and will run throughout June and July 2026.
About Bolton Library and Museum Services
A cultural hotspot of Bolton, the Bolton Central Library and Museum hosts eclectic events, galleries, and collections, one of which is its Egyptology collection – the largest of its kind in a local authority museum in the UK. You will also find Greater Manchester’s only public aquarium sits inside this architecturally impressive, Grade II listed building. With venues across the whole town, including the historic Smithills Hall, the Bolton Library and Museum teams organise special events, exhibitions, workshops, and social groups across the town’s libraries and halls; helping to engage, educate, and support communities.
To find out more about Bolton’s libraries and museums and what’s on, visit www.boltonlams.co.uk