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.
Upcoming EventsAn invitation to attend I Minnie Lansbury at the Tate Institute, 1 Wythes Road, Silvertown, LB Newham, E16 2DN on 5 March 2026 as part of the Modern Cockney Festival 2026. A rehearsed reading in costume of a one-act play by Bren Gosling. A story of fighting for social justice - and paying an ultimate price. In 1921 British society had been shaken by war while the Representation of The People Act empowered more ordinary folk, especially women, to challenge the status quo, which favoured privilege, wealth, and Establishment. Poplar Council led the way, and Minnie Lansbury was its heroine. ‘Don’t be afraid of the law…Wherever you see injustice make up your mind what you want to do and go for it! Accept no make believe.’ To see more and for tickets, click here ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- The upcoming Modern Cockney Festival features not only the play I Minnie Lansbury but also Nellie Cressall: The Opera. As you may recall, Nellie was one of the Poplar councillors sent to gaol in 1921 during the Poplar Rates Rebellion and was incarcerated with Minnie in Holloway prison.
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Bishop's Hill Hall - Brentwood, EssexFor over a century, from when it was built in 1906, as part of the Poplars Residential School and Children’s Home Village for destitute children from Poplar, Bishops Hill Hall has stood as a reminder of how young children with little prospect of a decent future can be provided with what they need to lead productive and fulfilling lives. The project was closely associated with George Lansbury and the hall is now under threat of closure from the County Council.An action group has been formed to save the Hall and more details can be seen in their press release (please click here). This includes information on how to sign the ongoing petition to save the Hall. |
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Did you ever wonder who came first with MPs surgeries? Well, George Lansbury was among the first.Read more here by Emeritus Director of the History of Parliament, Dr Paul Seaward.
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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