Working Class Movement Library
About This Museum
Tucked away on a residential street in Salford, the Working Class Movement Library feels more like a well-kept secret than a formal institution. Stepping inside is like entering a living archive of Britain's radical history, where the walls are lined with the stories of ordinary people who fought for extraordinary change. You'll find everything from beautifully bound trade union banners to handwritten minutes from suffragette meetings. It’s a profoundly human and deeply moving collection that makes history feel immediate and personal.
Collection Highlights
Look for the powerful posters from the 1984-85 Miners' Strike and personal letters from activists. The library holds an incredible array of political pamphlets, early socialist novels, and even Thomas Paine's own copy of 'The Rights of Man'.
Visitor Information
It's free to visit, but it's best to check their website or give them a call beforehand as they're run by dedicated staff and volunteers. They're open Tuesday to Friday and on the first Saturday of each month.
Architecture & Building
Housed in a sturdy, red-brick Victorian villa that was once a nurse's home, the building itself has a quiet, unassuming charm that perfectly suits its purpose.
Contact & Location
Address: Working Class Movement Library, 51, Crescent, Blackfriars, Ordsall, Salford, Greater Manchester, England, M5 4WX, United Kingdom
Phone: +44 161 736 3601
Website: Visit Website
