The Empty Fields: The Agricultural Strike of 1914

The Empty Fields: The Agricultural Strike of 1914

Ref: IHP-4275

Supplied By Ian Henry Publications.

In 1914 trades' unions were feeling their way in Essex. Feelings ran high, spreading from villages (Steeple Bumpstead, Helions Bumpstead, Foxearth, and Ashdon) into town (Saffron Walden), and the adjoining counties of Cambridge and Suffolk.

In June the Union demanded a rise of 6 pence a week, refused by the farmers. A strike was called, halting farm work in the area. There was assault, intimidation, and rick burning. Strike-breakers were harshly dealt with, while strikers struggled to survive on pay from the Union.

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