Kmflett's Blog

London Socialist Historians Group

23rd April

Contact Dr Keith Flett 07803 167266

Historians underline importance of ‘Battle of Wood Green’ on 23^rd April 1977

The London Socialist Historians Group, which organises the socialist history seminar at the Institute of Historical Research in central London, has underlined the importance of marking the 43^rd anniversary of the Battle of Wood Green on 23^rd April.

On Saturday 23^rd April 1977 well over a thousand supporters of the fascist National Front gathered at Ducketts Common in North London with the aim of marching down one of the busiest and most multi-cultural High Streets in the Capital chanting racist slogans.

There was a united opposition to the fascist march from the local Labour and trade union movement and all Haringey Councillors. The spokesperson for those opposing the march was Jeremy Corbyn, then a Labour Councillor in the Borough.

When the fascist march entered Wood Green High Rd protesters joined with shoppers to break it and stop the majority of the National Front march from proceeding.

LSHG Convenor Keith Flett said, a 43^rd anniversary is, historically speaking not a ‘significant’ one. But it is important to remember the united effort to stop fascists from stirring division and hate on that Saturday afternoon 43 years ago now, given that when one looks around not just Britain but the world its clear that the far right and fascism are still very much with us and the work of opposing them is as important as ever.