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The British Library

1936

The Battle of Cable Street took place in Whitechapel, London on 4 th October 1936. The British Union of Fascists, led by Oswald Mosely, planned a march that day through the East End, an area with a large Jewish population at the time. The Metropolitan Police were tasked
with protecting the marchers but were met with strong resistance from several anti-fascist groups including local Jewish groups and trade unions. The protesters built barricades to try and stop the march and far outnumbered the people marching. Mosely eventually had to cancel the march. Rioting between the anti-fascists and the police continued however, and many people were arrested. This event is often remembered as a decisive moment where British fascism was defeated.

This image depicts the red plaque on Dock Street which commemorates The Battle of Cable
Street. The photograph was taken on 17 September 2005.
Photographer: Richard Allen

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