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Arrange further discussions and meetings about Leeds Radical History
A Blue Plaque for the Northern Star Chartist Paper
Leeds, West Yorkshire, United Kingdom
Aim
The Northern Star was the key organiser of the Chartist Movement. Produced and printed in Leeds, edited by Fergus O'Conner , it was
The Northern Star was the newspaper of the Chartist movement. With a circulation greater than The Times and read out aloud in pubs, workplaces and homes to those unable to read.....it influenced a huge section of the working class as Capitalism took root in the industrial cities.
It campaigned against exploitation and the evils of the factory system. It was written by many of those engaged in the attempt to alter society. The newspaper campaigned against the hated Poor Laws and for international causes like independence of Canada, Irish home rule and ending slavery in the Americas. Edited by Fergus O'conner and printed just off Brigitte in Leeds it deserves recognition.
Leeds Civic Trust and the local trade union historians have campaigned for generations to get the site of the production recognised. Finally on the 30th Nov 2024. , a Blue Plaque will be unveiled by the family of Malcolm Chase, the ex-Professor of Chartist Studies. at Leeds University.
We will also have The Commoners Choir singing some Chartist related songs and a lecture by Vic Clarke about the Northern Star in the wonderful Leeds Library.. Please give generously to celebrate this important part of Leeds History.
This project successfully funded on 13th November 2024