The George Lansbury Memorial Trust was founded in 2012 to commemorate the life, work and legacy of George Lansbury (1859–1940). A pioneering campaigner for peace, women’s rights, local democracy and improvements in labour conditions, Lansbury was an adopted East Ender who made a great contribution to local as well as national life.George Lansbury, MP for Bow & Bromley, led the Labour Party from 1932–1935 and spent his political lifecampaigning for social justice, women’s rights and world disarmament. The Lansbury Estate in Poplar is named after him. It was built as part of the 1951 Festival of Britain, as an example of ‘housing for the people’ after the Second World War.
The Trust organizes an annual George Lansbury Memorial Lecture and other events.
George and his fellow Poplar Concillors will be forever remembered for the 1921 Poplar Rates Rebellion which resulted in the indefinite gaoling of 30 Councillors for refusing to collect part of the rates used to finance cross London authorities. The Government finally gave in and passed legislation, to more fairly spread the financial cost of the authorities across both rich and poor boroughs in London.
Support the 2026 Memorial Lecture at the LSE1926 and 2026 Industrial Relations: Where are we headed?Thursday 12 NovemberSpeaker: Matt Wrack, General Secretary of the NASUWTChair: Professor Tony Tavers (LSE)6:30 - 8:00 pm Lecture followed by Q&A8:00 - 9:00 pm Drinks ReceptionTickets available here - https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/1926-and-2026-industrial-relations-where-are-we-headed-tickets-2001386711530 |
Support - Nellie Cressall, The Opera!Believe it or not, a project is underway to create an Opera based on the events of the 1921 Poplar Rates Rebellion. It will focus on Nellie Cressall, the pregnant Poplar Councillor gaoled by the Government along with the rest of the Council for their part in the Rebellion. The Opera is set to come to the stage in April 2028 and will incorporate local musicians and contributors all bought together by the East London Music Group. The Opera is written by Lucy Armstrong and Olivia Bell. The group are looking for funds to complete the project as planned, so simply spreading the word about this fantastic project will help raise awareness and also hopefully some money. To read more click here. |
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Hutton Poplars Children’s Home was opened in 1906. George Lansbury campaigned to have the home built. Hutton could accommodate 432 children, aged 0 to 15 years old. It was built on the cottage homes model, where children were looked after in family sized group homes run by house parents. It was laid out like a village with a central green with schoolhouses on either side. There was an administrative block, swimming pool, gymnasium, infirmary and farm buildings. Between 1930 and 1965, the home was run by the London County Council (L.C.C.). The home closed in 1982. Most of the buildings have been demolished and replaced with housing. However, the main school building has survived and was the Bishops Hill Adult Community College. The Dining Hall had been restored by Brentwood Borough Council and was available for private hire. The College has now been closed. However... If the hall is not to be turned into private housing, a planning application needs to be resisted. For more information from Bishops Hill Action Group click here...
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Contact Us...
On this site you will find details of events planned by the Trust and can contact members of the Trust with your questions, suggestions etc. - Contact Us
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See Janine Booth's Website - Her book on the Rates Rebellion is a must read on the subject...
Guilty and Proud of it by Janine Booth | Waterstones
We thank these organisations for the support they have given to the Poplar100
and the George Lansbury Memorial Trust.
© 2025 The George Lansbury Memorial Trust