Records of Greenham Common Women's Peace Camp (Yellow Gate)
| Reference |
5GCW |
| Covering dates |
1982-2002 |
| Held by |
London Metropolitan University, The Women's Library |
| Extent |
14 A boxes and 4 albums |
| Conditions of access |
This collection is available for research. Readers are advised to contact The Women's Library in advance of their first visit.
|
| Archival history |
Material brought together by Sarah Hipperson on behalf of the Greenham Women.
|
| Source of acquisition |
Sarah Hipperson.
|
| Creators |
Hipperson, Sarah, fl 1982, peace campaigner
|
Administrative history:
Greenham Common Women's Peace Camp (1982-2000) was formed in response to NATO's decision in 1979 to base ground cruise missiles at Greenham Common.
RAF Greenham Common had first became home to the US Army Air Force in November 1943, when the 354th Fighter Group moved in as part of the Allies efforts to meet the Nazi Government's aerial operations. Greenham Common, near Newbury in Berkshire, became a bomber operational training unit. Following the invasion of France, the Americans transferred their resources to France and Greenham Common reverted to RAF control until it was closed in 1946. However, as the Cold War began, it was reopened in 1951 as a US Strategic Air Command, coming into American Air Force operational control in Jun 1953. It was closed once more in 1961 only to be reopened in 1964, when it also became a NATO standby base. NATO's decision in 1979 to base ground cruise missiles at Greenham Common was a response to the proliferation of nuclear forces, which occurred throughout that decade. It was in the wake of this announcement that the Greenham Common Women's Peace Camp opened at this site.
In September 1981 a Welsh group of 36 individuals opposed to nuclear power, called Women for Life on Earth, walked 120 miles from their headquarters to raise awareness of this issue and to protest against NATO's decision to site cruise missiles at Greenham Common. On reaching their destination they chained themselves to the perimeter fence and subsequently established a 'peace camp' there which was to remain for another two decades. The 'camp' itself consisted of nine smaller camps: the first was Yellow Gate, established the month after Women for Peace on Earth reached the airbase; others established in 1983 were Green Gate, the nearest to the silos, and the only entirely exclusive women-only camp at all times, the others accepting male visitors during the day; Turquoise Gate; Blue Gate with its new age focus; Pedestrian Gate; Indigo Gate; Violet Gate identified as being religiously focussed; Red Gate known as the artists gate; and Orange Gate. A central core of women lived either full-time or for stretches of time at any one of the gate camps with others staying for various lengths of time.
From the beginning, links were formed with local feminist and anti-nuclear groups across the country while early support was received from the Women's Peace Alliance in order to facilitate these links and give publicity through its newsletter. In Mar 1982 the first blockade of the base occurred, staged by 250 women and during which 34 arrests were made. In May the first attempt to evict the peace camp was made as bailiffs and police attempted to clear the women and their possessions from the site. However, the camp was simply re-located to a nearby site. That same year, in Feb 1982 the camp went onto a women only footing and in Dec 1982, in response to chain letter sent out by organisers 30,000 women assembled to surround the site and 'embrace the base'. In Jan 1983 Newbury District Council revoked the common land bylaws for Greenham Common, becoming the private landlord for the site and instituting Court proceedings to reclaim eviction costs, actions that were ruled as illegal by the House of Lords in 1990. In Apr 1991, CND supporters staged action which involved 70,000 people forming a 14-mile human chain linking Burghfield, Aldermaston and Greenham. However, the first transfer of cruise missiles to the airbase occurred in Nov 1983. Another major event occurred in Dec 1983 when 50,000 women encircled the base, holding up mirrors and taking down sections of the fence, resulting in hundreds of arrests.
In 1987, the Intermediate Nuclear Forces treaty was signed by the USA and the Soviet Union, and two years later in Aug 1989 the first step in the removal of cruise missiles from the Greenham Common airbase occurred, a process that was completed in Mar 1991. The American Air Force handed control of the base to the Royal Air Force in Sep 1992, who handed the base over to the Defence Land Agent three weeks later. On 1 Jan 2000 the last of the Greenham Common Women protestors left the camp. A memorial garden was erected after this - the only individual name included in the memorial was that of Helen Wynn Thomas who had died in an accident at Greenham on 5 Aug 1989.
Contents:
The archive consists of papers mainly concerned with the Yellow Gate camp, although other camps are represented. The camps had always maintained separate identities, however a split emerged following an incident at the 1987 Moscow World Conference on Women, thus consolidating the separate identities of the camps and causing some enmity between different groups. Yellow Gate was the last camp to be maintained at Greenham Common and had become a political organisation in its own right, listed in the 1994 New Statesman Directory of British Political Organisations.
The majority of this material was created by a core group of women (including Sarah Hipperson, Rosy Bremer, Katrina Howse, Jean Hutchinson, and Anniko Jones [sometimes spelt Aniko, Anito]) who were at Greenham for the majority of the protest. Sarah Hipperson brought the material together on their behalf.
The archive includes the women's papers re legal cases, correspondence, publications, press cuttings, photographs and videos.
Court Cases
5GCW/A 1984-1999
Arrangement:
Cases are grouped chronologically from the start date of litigation, and are given the names allocated prior to deposit where possible.
Contents:
During the course of their residency at Greenham Common, the protestors were involved in a wide variety of court proceedings. Several of these were the result of arrests made during protests, and others resulted from civic actions instigated by protestors. These papers usually involve Sarah Hipperson as defendant, plaintiff or appellant. However the Litigation Case and the Bylaws Case were actions brought by other women, the papers of which have been collected by Hipperson.
Voting Case
5GCW/A/01 1985
Contents:
Court papers and related notes concerning a case heard before the Electoral Registration Court, Newbury, 07 Jan 1985. The case was brought following objections, raised by two Newbury residents, against the inclusion of thirteen full-time residents of the Greenham Common Women's Camp (including Sarah Hipperson, Rebecca Johnson, Caroline Rebecca Wynn Griffiths, Naomi Griffiths, Sarah Charmain Green, Muriel Jane Dent and Katrina Howse) on the 1985-1986 Electoral Register. These objections were upheld, and the women removed from the register.
An appeal held in Newbury County Court, 01 May 1985, reinstated the women's places on the electoral register. A further appeal (c1985), lodged by one of the primary objectors, was dismissed.
Proceedings, Electoral Registration Court
5GCW/A/01/1 7 Jan 1985
Appeal Bundle (no. 1)
5GCW/A/01/2 1 May 1985
Appeal Bundle (no .2), Judgement and related papers
5GCW/A/01/3 c.1985
Contents:
Includes polling cards for Sarah Hipperson at Yellow Gate address 1985-2000 and copy of findings of Sir John Donaldson, M.R., for further appeal (c1985), lodged by one of the primary objectors.
Bylaws Case
5GCW/A/02 1985-1990
Contents:
Correspondence, court papers and related notes regarding litigation begun in 1986 by Jean Hutchinson and Georgina Smith, (both GCW protestors) as a challenge to Bylaws introduced by the Ministry of Defence, 25 Apr 1985. This legislation, introduced under the 1892 Military Lands Act, restricted movement in and around Greenham Common in an attempt to curb GCW protests, thus criminalising many protestors. The legal challenge was based on the grounds that the 1892 Act made provision for Bylaws on common land, provided that no rights of Common existed on the land, which was not the case with Greenham Common. Over the course of four years, this case progressed from Magistrate's to Crown to High Courts, eventually reaching the House of Lords. The Bylaws were pronounced invalid by the House of Lords on 12 Jul 1990.This file, originally belonging to Jean Hutchinson, consists of correspondence between Barbara Cohen of the National Council for Civil Liberties and the Ministry of Defence regarding the Bylaws, Newbury District Council Bylaws relating to commons (1983), HMSO Notice of proposed Bylaws at RAF Greenham Common (1985), typescript notes for Crown Court Case, accounts of the Crown and High Court cases taken from All England Law reports (1988-1989), copies of Bylaws for other military ranges, a copy of Ch. 43, Military Lands Act, 1892, the record of the House of Lords petitions of appeal and the eventual judgement.
Hangar Case
5GCW/A/03 Aug 1987-May1988
Contents:
Witness statements, findings, correspondence and manuscript notes concerning proceedings brought against Sarah Hipperson and others over charges of criminal damage to Hangar 303, Greenham Common.
Fence Case
5GCW/A/04 1987-1992
Contents:
Police records, court papers, notes and related documents concerning Sarah Hipperson's conviction for criminal damage, 07 Oct 1987, subsequent appeal and judgement. Following her original conviction, Hipperson's conditions of bail were that she not enter any area of Greenham Common. This banning order was lifted on 10 Dec 1987, although Hipperson was charged with breaching the order on 12 Dec 1988. In an appeal against these convictions, heard at Reading Crown Court on 18 May 1991, Judge Josh Lait declared the fence around Greenham Common to be illegal. The file contains Hipperson's manuscript notes relating to the trial, custody and appeal, police records of arrest and custody, Court proceedings relating to original arrest, lifting of banning order and breaching of said order. It also contains records of the 1991 appeal, including bundle of witness statements, extract of evidence and judgement.
Corruption Case
5GCW/A/05 1987-1988
Arrangement:
Press cuttings have been removed to press cuttings file.
Contents:
Correspondence and notes concerning accusations made by GCW, specifically Beth Junor, Katrina Howse and Sarah Hipperson, of corruption amongst Newbury Civic Leaders, following their visit to the United States of America, 5-10 Oct 1987, sponsored by the United States Air Force.
Imber Trespass Case
5GCW/A/06 1988
Arrangement:
Press cuttings, photographs and posters have been removed to respective files.
Contents:
Case papers, related notes and information leaflets concerning the occupation of the parish church in the village of Imber, Wiltshire, by GCW protestors, 14 Jun 1988. The file contains notes and information on the village, its evacuation by the army and use for military training purposes, and case papers of protestors consequent prosecution for trespass on military ranges.
Katrina Howse Libel Case
5GCW/A/07 1990-1992
Contents:
Correspondence and case papers relating to successful libel case brought against News Group Newspapers Ltd. by Katrina Howse, following the publication of articles in the Daily Star and the Sun headed 'Scram, Scrounger', 03 Nov 1990.
Cleansing Action Case
5GCW/A/08 1991-1993
Arrangement:
Press cuttings have been removed to press cuttings file.
Contents:
Correspondence, court papers and manuscript notes concerning prosecution for criminal damage following direct action protest, 7 Aug 1991, described by protestors as a cleansing action, which resulted in the deportation of GCW protestor, Janet Tavner. Documents principally relate to the conviction of Sarah Hipperson. Also contains typescript statement titled 'Deportation of A Camp Woman, Past and Present' by Janet Tavner.
Adverse Possession Case
5GCW/A/09 1992-1994
Arrangement:
Extensive photocopies from the Local Government Act, 1972 (Sections 100A-100J), Lewis, C, 'Judicial Remedies in Public Law' (London, 1992) and House of Lords Judgements (on the cases of Roy v. Kensington and Chelsea F.P.C., 06 Feb 1992, and O'Reilly v. Mackman, Feb-Nov 1982) have been removed.
Contents:
Correspondence, case papers and notes concerning the civil case pursued by Rosy Bremer, Claire Pearson, Anniko Jones and Katrina Howse following Newbury District Council's decision to remove a second caravan at Yellow Gate camp, 16 Jun 1993.
Compensation Case
5GCW/A/10 1992-1999
Archival history:
Papers concerning the cases were originally in the custody of Bindman's Solicitors, but were transferred to Hipperson's keeping at her request.
Contents:
Correspondence, court papers and notes concerning Sarah Hipperson's claims for compensation for the nine occasions she had been arrested and convicted under the Greenham Bylaws, following the 1991 House of Lords ruling (5/GCW/A/02). The original claim for compensation brought before Bow County Court, was struck out on the grounds that the majority of the claim was statute barred, having exceeded the original six-year limitation period. Hipperson's remaining claims were again brought before the court on 11 Jul 1996, before being struck out on the grounds that the Chief Constable of the Ministry of Defence Police could not be held, at law, vicariously responsible for the torts of his officers. Following the failure of her previous compensation actions, Hipperson pursued a claim for negligence against the law firms she had employed to pursue the original claims. This case was heard in the High Court, 21-23 Oct 1996. On 06 Nov 1996, judgement was entered for Hipperson against the defendants, who were fined a nominal sum.
Case held at Bow County Court
5GCW/A/10/1 c.1992-1996
Contents:
Correspondence regarding original claims, solicitor's preparatory documents and court papers.
Appeal heard at the High Court
5GCW/A/10/2 Jul 1996
Contents:
Correspondence, solicitor's notes and court papers relating to Hipperson's claim heard in the High Court of Appeal, on appeal from Bow County Court.
Sarah Hipperson v Hodge, Jones & Allen and TV Edwards
5GCW/A/10/3 Oct-Nov 1996
Contents:
Court papers, including summons, skeleton arguments, witness statements and a copy of the judgement.
Correspondence: TV Evans
5GCW/A/10/4 1992-1995
Contents:
Addressed to Sarah Hipperson, concerning progress of Compensation case. This legal firm was later sued by Hipperson for negligence.
Correspondence: Bindman & Partners
5GCW/A/10/5 May 1995-Aug 2000
Contents:
Addressed to Sarah Hipperson from law firm employed to pursue negligence case against TV Edwards.
Correspondence: Legal Aid
5GCW/A/10/6 1993-1997
Contents:
Between Sarah Hipperson and Legal Aid board, concerning claims for Legal Aid, in order to pursue compensation and resultant negligence litigation.
Genocide Case
5GCW/A/11 1993-1997
Arrangement:
Booklets 'Aldermaston: inside the Citadel' (Greenpeace) and Convention for the Protection of Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms (Council of Europe, 1995) have been removed to 5/GCW/D/3.
Contents:
Court papers and related documents regarding the convictions of nine GCW protestors, originally tried at held at West Berkshire Magistrates Court, 14-16 Feb 1994, for causing criminal damage at Aldermaston, 06 Aug 1993, and subsequent appeals. In their defence the women claimed justification at law; that they were upholding the law by preventing the crime of genocide (Genocide Act 1969). Protestors took their case to Reading Crown Court and the High Court before attempting to put their case before the European Commission of Human Rights in May 1998.
Arrest and trial at West Berkshire Magistrates Court
5GCW/A/11/1 Aug 1993-Feb 1994
Contents:
Records of arrest and trial of Sarah Hipperson. Includes typescript and manuscript notes on case.
Appeal at Reading Crown Court
5GCW/A/11/2 3-13 Jul 1995
Contents:
Application to state case (appeal of Sarah Hipperson), prosecution case summary, manuscript notes on trial and a copy of the judgement.
Appeal at the High Court
5GCW/A/11/3 3 Jul 1996
Contents:
Transcript of appeal, notes for closing arguments made by appellants, documents used as evidence and a copy of the findings of the appeal.
Application for appeal at the European Commission of Human Rights
5GCW/A/11/4 c.1996
Contents:
Completed application form for appeal to the Commission, list of documents sent with application and notes.
Correspondence and copies of relevant legislation
5GCW/A/11/5 c.1996
Arrangement:
Extensive photocopies of sections from the Coronation Oath Act 1688, the Genocide Act 1969, and Ch.1, 'The Trial of the Major War Criminals before the International Military Tribunal' (Nuremberg, 14 Nov 1945 - 1 Oct 1946) have been removed.
Contents:
Correspondence between Sarah Hipperson and solicitors, the Court Service and the European Commission of Human Rights regarding respective stages of the appeal process. Copies of sections from treaty between United States of America (USA) and Union of Soviet Socialist Republics (USSR) on the elimination of their intermediate-range and shorter-range missiles, Dec 1987 and the convention on the prevention and punishment of the crime of genocide, 1948.
Also includes 'A Journey of Challenge to the UK's Nuclear Deterrence Policy', a summary of the genocide case by Sarah Hipperson.
Burghfield Fence Case
5GCW/A/12 5 May 1996
Contents:
Arrest and court records relating to proceedings of appeal heard at Reading Crown Court against the conviction of Katrina Howse, Sarah Hipperson, Elizabeth Walford and Frances Vigay for criminal damage, following fence cutting at Burghfield AWE, 07 Aug 1994. The defendants claimed justification at law, citing the Genocide Act 1969 and the Coronation Oath. The appeal was dismissed. Contains charge sheet for Sarah Hipperson, CCTV photographs of damage, respondent's skeleton argument, appellant's closing argument and manuscript copy of judgement.
Newbury Contamination Case
5GCW/A/13 c.1996-1999
Arrangement:
Press cuttings have been removed to press cuttings file.
Contents:
Correspondence, notes, academic articles and legal papers concerning civil case brought by GCW protestors against the Ministry of Defence over claims of radioactive contamination of Greenham Common and surrounding area.
File includes a collection of articles and reports by Dr Alice Stewart, Dr Chris Busby, Dr Douglas Holdstock and Dr Frank Barnaby entitled 'The Scientific Case re Aldermaston and Burghfield', also includes copy of report 'Secrecy versus Safety: The findings of the AWE Aldermaston Community Enquiry' by Helena Kennedy QC.
Jury Trial
5GCW/A/14 1996-1998
Contents:
Notes, Correspondence and court papers concerning a jury trial and retrial following a hung jury, Mar and Jul 1998, of Sarah Hipperson and Peggy Walford for criminal damage offences committed at AWE Aldermaston, 05 Aug 1996. The defendants' attempt to use the defence of justification at law, and to call several expert witnesses on nuclear arms, was disallowed by Judge Mowat on the grounds that the possession and threat to use Nuclear Weapons did not constitute a crime under international law. Contains court papers including copies of witness statements, prosecution and defence skeleton arguments, manuscript and typescript notes on proceedings, correspondence with expert witnesses, copies of evidence used, and Sarah Hipperson's application to the CPS for leave to appeal.
GCW v. Secretary of State for Defence
5GCW/A/15 c.1996-1998
Arrangement:
Maps of Newbury and Aldermaston have been weeded for duplicates and combined with those of 5/GCW/A/16 (OS)
Contents:
Documents concerning a case brought against the Ministry of Defence by GCW protestors. At Reading Crown Court, 09 Dec 1996, the Greenham Common Women disputed the MoD's assertion that Commoners' rights had been extinguished [In May 1991 the MoD had produced a Vesting Deed, under the 1954 Defence Act and 1845 Land Clauses Consolidation Act, signed by 3 Commoners claiming to represent the rest, thus appearing to allow the MoD to buy out Commoners' rights], challenging the erection of a new fence the MoD had built around a site earmarked for 'technical development'. The case continued to the court of appeal where application was dismissed. File contains correspondence, notes [1 set of which written on an OS roll of backing paper], court documents, maps [mostly photocopies, occasionally annotated], witness statements, conveyancing documents and register of sections from the Berkshire County Council Register of Common Land presented as evidence, manuscript notes on the progress of the trial and a copy of the judgement of the appeal court.
GCW v. Newbury District Council
5GCW/A/16 c.1997
Arrangement:
Duplicates from GCW/A/16 (court proceedings and witness statements used as evidence in the later case) have been weeded. Maps of Newbury and Aldermaston have been weeded for duplicates and combined with those of 5/GCW/A/15 (OS)
Contents:
Documents concerning the case that ensued following issue of a High Court Writ by GCW protestors against Newbury District Council, 19 Nov 1997. Greenham Common land had been sold by the MoD on 24 Mar 1997 to 'Greenham Common Community Trust', to be used jointly by the Trust and NDC as an 'Enterprise Centre'. The women maintained that, according to section 194 of the Law of Property Act, 1925, NDC had illegally authorised such development. The protestors argued that Commoners' rights could only be extinguished by having their names struck off the Register of Commoners at Berkshire County Council. Since this had not been done, Commoners' rights remained intact. Justice Popplewell ruled her argument 'legally insignificant', giving the vesting deed (see 5/GCW/A/15) priority. File contains correspondence, notes, court papers (mostly copies made during process of appeal against the findings of Judge Popplewell), copies of relevant correspondence, maps [mostly photocopies, occasionally annotated] and legislation, copies of extracts from Berkshire County Council Register of Commoners and affidavits.
Court Cases: Miscellaneous items
5GCW/A/17 c.1984-2000
Contents:
Items collected by GCW protestors which refer either to groups of cases or cannot be allocated to a specific case.
Charge sheets
5GCW/A/17/1 c.1985-1996
Contents:
Collected by Sarah Hipperson.
Lists of criminal damage offences committed
5GCW/A/17/2 c.1984-1989
Contents:
Manuscript. Authors not specified.
Accounts of Hearings'
5GCW/A/17/3 c.1995-1996
Contents:
Manuscript, written by campwomen
MoD Police and AWE Aldermaston photographs of damage to fences
5GCW/A/17/4 c.1985-2000
Correspondence
5GCW/B c.1992-2003
Arrangement:
Correspondence files were mainly received in bundles and sorted by subject matter during cataloguing, one file 'Supporters letters on behalf of costs against Women' was left in original order. Press cuttings, newsletters and other loose inserts have been removed to relevant files. Files are ordered chronologically
Contents:
Letters and emails addressed to GCW protestors and the Yellow Gate camp itself. This series illustrates the breadth of support for and criticism of the work of the camp, and the extent of campaigning undertaken by camp members, through the media and politically.
Correspondence: personal
5GCW/B/01 c.1994-2000
Contents:
Correspondence from family, friends and associates addressed to women at Yellow Camp.
Correspondence: business
5GCW/B/02 Jun 1994-Oct 2001
Contents:
Correspondence concerning publication and sales of titles by Beth Junor, organisation of exhibition of work of Katrina Howse. Also contains responses to complaints made against the police and the post office and correspondence between Beth Junor, her solicitor and the MoD police following her arrest and the confiscation of a pair of bolt cutters. Arranged chronologically.
Correspondence: unsolicited
5GCW/B/03 c.1994-2000
Contents:
Cards, letters and emails either supporting or criticising the camp from individuals and groups worldwide. Includes letter of support addressed to Sarah Hipperson from Myra Hindley, 1998.
Correspondence: imprisoned camp women
5GCW/B/04 May-Oct 1994
Contents:
Letters addressed to Yellow Gate from imprisoned camp women.
Correspondence: political organisations and peace groups
5GCW/B/05 1992-2001
Contents:
Correspondence with Friends of the Earth, CND, Pax Christi and national and international peace groups.
Includes correspondence with National Union of Mineworkers (specifically Arthur Scargill) and the Transport and General Workers union.
Later correspondence generally concerns the memorial appeal.
Correspondence: politicians
5GCW/B/06 Jun 1994-Sep 2001
Contents:
Correspondence with national and international politicians, addressed to various members of Yellow Gate Camp, frequently replying to requests for support.
Includes more detailed correspondence from Tony Benn, and Harry Cohen.
Correspondence: media
5GCW/B/07 c.1993-Jan 2001
Contents:
Letters and emails between Yellow Gate camp women and the national, international and local media, concerning articles and letters to the editor.
Includes correspondence between Alison Tucker, Jean Hutchinson and Sarah Hipperson over filming of Open University documentary (5/GCW/F/6).
Correspondence: academics
5GCW/B/08 c.1995-c.2003
Contents:
Letters and emails principally consisting of requests for interviews and permission for research projects to be conducted on GCW. Contains correspondence with Imperial War Museum over deposit of audio recording of Sarah Hipperson, and images taken by John Kippin.
Correspondence: re-development of Greenham Common
5GCW/B/09 Aug 1995-Mar 2003
Contents:
Correspondence with local government, Greenham Trust and other bodies and individuals regarding the re-development of Greenham Common.
Supporters letters on behalf of costs against Women
5GCW/B/10 Jun 1999-Jun 2000
Contents:
A letter writing campaign, organised by Sarah Hipperson, following financial problems incurred during the pursuit of her claims for compensation (See GCW/A/09).
Diaries and Calendars
5GCW/C 1991-1999
Contents:
Diaries of Yellow Gate Women's Peace Camp, 1991-1999 (1992 missing) recorded the activities of GCW protestors, including direct action protests and court dates. Include varied loose and attached inserts. Calendars, 1991 and 1997-1999, were hung in the caravan at Yellow Gate camp and record which protestors were present art the camp at any one time.
Diary
5GCW/C/01 1991
Contents:
Loose inserts including notes, invoices and cards.
Diary
5GCW/C/02 1993
Contents:
Press cuttings and Newbury District Council planning sub-committee meeting agenda, 8th Dec 1993.
Diary
5GCW/C/03 1994
Contents:
Press cuttings and notes pasted in.
Diary
5GCW/C/06 1997
Contents:
Press cuttings pasted in.
Diary
5GCW/C/07 1998
Contents:
Journalists' cards attached.
Calendar
5GCW/C/09 1991
Contents:
Moon-Menstruation. Printed, unannotated. OS folder with 5/GCW/D/8
Calendar
5GCW/C/10 Jan-May 1997
Publicity Materials
5GCW/D 1983-2000
Contents:
Newsletters, booklets, posters and press releases created and collected by the peace camp.
Newsletters produced by GCW
5GCW/D/1 1985-1998
Contents:
Contains:
Yellow Gate newsletter (10 editions), 1987-Sep 1998, Cover artwork by Katrina Howse.
'Greenham Women Everywhere' newsletter (1 edition), 1987, created by women at Orange and Violet Gates following a dispute with Yellow Gate.
'Greenham Common Newsletter' (1 edition), 1991 created by Blue Gate.
'London Greenham Newsletter', 06 Sep 1985.
Also includes information on making the Newsletter and copyright.
Arranged in chronological order.
Booklets on GCW
5GCW/D/2 1983-1995
Contents:
Contains:
'Resist the Military', 1989, Handbook for non-violent resistance, Yellow gate.
'Song Book', May 1995, produced for women's Beltane walk.
'Women Reclaim Greenham', Dec 1983
'Greenham Women Against Cruise Missiles', 1984, printed booklet.
'The Greenham Factor' (1 copy plus revised edition), c1985.
Newsletters and Booklets (not GCW)
5GCW/D/3 c.1985-2000
Contents:
Principally from feminist and pacifist groups, often containing articles, reviews or letters about Greenham Common.
Includes 'Aldermaston: inside the Citadel' (Greenpeace), 'Convention for the Protection of Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms' (Council of Europe, 1995) removed from 5/GCW/A/11 and 'Arms Control and Disarmament Quarterly Review' (No.35, Oct 1994, Foreign & Commonwealth Office) removed from 5/GCW/H.
Leaflets
5GCW/D/4 1985-2002
Contents:
Most items were produced by Yellow Gate advertising direct action events. The file also includes some CND leaflets, information advertising the 1995 'Walk Across Europe for A Nuclear Free World' and a campaign leaflet for Katrina Howse as Socialist Labour candidate in the West Berkshire District Council Elections, 2002.
Circular letters
5GCW/D/5 1985-2001
Contents:
Letters, principally addressed to women and friends (presumably from the mailing list), giving information on the camp, advertising events and requesting donations.
Arranged in chronological order.
Mailing List
5GCW/D/6 c.1985-2000
Contents:
British and International contacts. The Mailing List contains names, addresses and information on an individual's involvement with and donations to GCW.
The Mailing List also lists press contacts.
Press Releases
5GCW/D/7 1991-2002
Contents:
Issued by GCW, principally Yellow Gate Camp, these covered court action and direct action events. Later Press releases c1999-2002 were mainly concerned with the development of a commemorative site at Yellow Gate camp.
Arranged in chronological order.
Posters and Artwork
5GCW/D/8 c.1994-2000
Contents:
Posters, manuscript, typescript and printed, advertising events and direct action. Includes printed commemorative poster 'Greenham Common Women's Peace Camp 1981-2000, A Spiritual Journey'.
Artworks include:
2 images (1 OS), black ink, Katrina Howse, c1996.
Watercolour images of Peace Camp, Gina Pappen, Aug 1994. Plan for commemorative site, unattributed, 2000.
Press cuttings
5GCW/E 1981-2005
Contents:
This series consists of press cuttings relating to the Greenham Common Women's Peace Camp that have been brought together from various sources.
Amongst the papers donated by Sarah Hipperson in 2004 were 2 outsize folders of loose press cuttings and 2 scrapbooks of loose and pasted-in press cuttings [these scrapbooks were marked as 'Yellow Gate Nos. 3 and 4']. In addition The Women's Library Printed Collections contained a number of Greenham press cuttings in the main press cuttings sequence. There was an additional Greenham Press Cuttings file in the Printed Collections. In 2005 all 4 sets of press cuttings were brought together, checked for duplication, placed in chronological order and rehoused for preservation reasons. In 2006 related press cuttings were removed from the Papers of Jayne Nelson (7JAN) and added to the series.
Press cuttings
5GCW/E/1 Nov 1981 - Oct 1983
Contents:
Chronological summary of key press cuttings and main events covered:
1981
*Jill Tweedie introduces The Women's Peace Camp outside Royal Air Force (RAF) Greenham Common to Guardian readers, two and a half months after formation of the camp in protest of the imminent arrival of United States of America (USA) nuclear (cruise) missiles at Greenham Common.
1982
First mention of the camp being for women only. First reports of evictions, arrests, court appearances and imprisonment. Introduction to non-violent protest.
*Observer colour feature on the 'Greenham Women' (12 Dec).
'Embrace the Base' protest, with estimates of 10-31,000 women linking hands around the base fence (12 Dec).
*Debate in Guardian letters page on the exclusion of men at the camp.
*Attempt to prevent 20 women from registering their vote with the camp as their address.
1983
*44 women charged after breaking into the Greenham Common base and dancing on top of a silo.
*Debate between Joan Ruddock (Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament (CND) Chairperson), Helen John (founder member of Greenham Common Women's Peace Camp) and Sally Davison (national organiser of CND), on likely developments in the peace movement.
*Michael Heseltine 'jostled' by peace campaigners at nearby council offices (8 Feb).
*Newbury District Council publishes a new set of bylaws in an attempt to abolish the camp.
*7,000 women protest at North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) against the deployment of cruise and Pershing nuclear missiles.
*Jane Hickman represents some of the women at the High Court against Newbury District Council. The council is awarded an injunction against the women returning to the common on the controversial grounds that only 70 official commoners have right of access to the common (11 Mar).
*Lady Olga Maitland forms Women for Defence, a Conservative pro peace, pro cruise organisation.
*Janet Radcliffe (Richards) asks 'why women should have the monopoly on virtue?' (10 May)
*Tony Benn MP appeals to the Prime Minister to end camp violence.
*The camp adopts a dragon as their symbol.
The camp concedes that cruise will arrive. The number of women at the camp rises to 1,000.
*Profile of six women at the camp: Carola Addington, Hilary Breakwell, Jane Dennett, Sarah Hipperson, Jo Page, Sharon Ross.
The camp is sabotaged by 'vigilantes'.
Press cuttings
5GCW/E/2 Nov 1983 - Dec 1984
Contents:
Chronological summary of key press cuttings and main events covered:
1983
*The camp takes President Reagan to the USA courts in a bid to prevent the cruise missiles coming to Britain.
*187 women arrested at once after pulling the RAF base perimeter fences down.
*The Guardian publishes a leaked classified document stating that the Government would most likely fly the missiles in to RAF Greenham Common on 1 Nov 1983.
*Michael Heseltine (Defence Secretary) refuses to give assurance that any protestors would not be shot if they invaded the nuclear missile bunkers built for cruise missiles.
Cruise launchers and supplies are flown in to the Greenham Common base in preparation of the arrival of cruise missiles.
*'I meet the Greenham manhaters' by Jean Ritchie in The Sun (7 Nov).
Cruise missiles arrive on 14 Nov.
*141 women arrested at Greenham Common and 300 arrested at a protest in Westminster.
*Michael Hesletine is sprayed with paint and eggs (15 Nov).
*'Why the Greenham women aren't what they seem' by Anne Robinson in The Daily Mirror (23 Nov).
*Government orders inquiry into the leaked document published by the Guardian.
1984
Evictions, harassment, arrests, court appearances and prison sentences continue throughout the year.
*Report on how the Americans living stationed at Royal Air Force (RAF) Greenham Common feel about the Greenham Common Women's Peace Camp (3 Jan).
*Plans to deploy cruise missiles are delayed due to the protest (14 Jan).
*Press review of film 'Carry Greenham Home' made by Beeban Kidron and Amanda Richardson.
*Sarah Tisdell sent for trial accused of leaking classified information to The Guardian [schedule for arrival of cruise at Greenham Common RAF base] (8 Feb).
*Joan Baez visits the camp (10 Feb).
Continued coverage of cruise movements, including the protestor's disruptions.
*The Guardian reports on the Sarah Tisdell case, including how she leaked the cruise schedule, a full account of her trial, and her six month sentence (24 Mar).
*Mary Stott visits the camp (2 Apr).
*Greenham Common women lose court case against United States of America (USA) Government. They intend to appeal (2 Aug).
*Caroline Blackwood publishes 'On the Perimeter', an account of how both sides feel about the Greenham Common protest.
*The Guardian publishes an article on 'The Greenham Children' and the effect of the protest on them (21 Sep).
*The News of the World reports 'Peace Nudes Shock Troops' (7 Oct).
Press cuttings
5GCW/E/3 Jan 1985 - Feb 1995
Contents:
Chronological summary of key press cuttings and main events covered:
1985
Evictions, harassment, arrests, court appearances and prison sentences continue throughout the year. The Greenham Common women continue to protest against cruise deployment and USA military exercises.
*Greenham Common women loose appeal in their court action against USA Government.
*Guardian article 'Why they break the law in order to keep the peace', including a profile of Greenham Common protestor Sarah [Hipperson] (26 Jan).
*One woman is taken to hospital after protesting against cruise deployment (29 Jan).
*Ministry of Defense (MoD) introduces new bylaws to make trespassing on the RAF base an offence with a maximum £100 fine.
*One woman taken to hospital with a broken leg after being hit by a trailer in a protest to stop cruise deployment (28 Aug).
*The Greenham Common women launch protest against England's food warehouses, where 'food mountains' are stored, the result of the EEC's agricultural policies.
*'Behind The Lines', article by Polly Toynbee in the Guardian (9 Dec).
1986
Evictions, harassment, arrests, court appearances and prison sentences continue throughout the year. The Greenham Common women continue to protest against cruise deployment and USA military exercises.
*'Russia has agents at Greenham Common' claims Janes Defense Weekly by a consultant to the USA Pentagon, Mr. Yossef Bodansky (21 Jan).
*Cao Xiao Bing, deputy secretary general of the Chinese People's Association for Peace and Disarmament, visits the camp.
1987
*Michael Heseltine is summoned to Reading Crown Court by lawyers acting for two Greenham Common peace protest women (16 June).
*Greenham Common peace protestors win the right to challenge the validity of new bylaws introduced by the MoD to keep trespassers off the USA military base.
The Greenham Common peace camps divide into two distinct gates after a split in opinion on racism and policy at the camp.
*A Greenham Common peace protestor writes to the Lord Chancellor in protest of five Newbury residents receiving free visits to USA at the cost of USA Air Force (6 Nov).
*Greenham Common women (including Katrina Howse and Wilmette Brown) disrupt Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament (CND) meeting, to draw attention to the movement 'as primarily a white, middle-class movement of men'.
The Guardian reports on why the Greenham Common peace camp will continue after the Intermediate-range Nuclear Forces Treaty was signed by the USA and Soviet Union [that eliminated all nuclear-armed ground-launched ballistic and cruise missiles - the first nuclear arms control agreement to reduce nuclear arms] (Dec).
1988
Debate about racism and the two opposing gates at Greenham Common peace camp continue. Debate on why the camp continues, covered throughout the year.
*Protest women win appeal against MoD. It is ruled that MoD bylaws used to prosecute protest women were illegal because of medieval access laws on common land (26 Feb).
*Greenham Common protestors [including playwright Margaretta D'Arcy] face court charges for protest against Britain's presence in Northern Ireland .
*Greenham Common protestors renew demands that the British Army leave the deserted village Imber, Wiltshire, which had been used for army training since the 1940s.
1989
The first phase in the decommissioning of Nato's intermediate nuclear forces begins. Debate on why the camp continues, covered throughout the year.
*16 cruise missiles are flown to Arizona, USA, as part of the decommissioning (2 Aug).
*Helen Wynne Thomas dies after being hit by a police horsebox on a road outside the main gate of the camp (8 Aug).
*Verdict of accidental death returned by jury on the death of Helen Wynne Thomas. Greenham Common women criticise inquest.
Debate about Commoners rights on Greenham Common [after recent ruling that MoD had acted illegally by denying passage to protestors] provokes letters from Greenham Common protestors and Greenham Common commoners in The Newbury Weekly News.
*MoD attempts to sign an agreement with Greenham Commoners over the extinguishing of some of their access rights, in return for compensation. MoD threatens to abolish all rights if commoners don't partake in the agreement.
1990
Harassment and attacks continue throughout the year.
Debate about the continuation of the Greenham Common Peace Camp after the United States of America (USA) military base is decommissioned in 1991.
Investigation and debate on the rights of commoners on common land.
Protestors allege assault by military police in process of eviction and escorting from the base.
*Jill Liddington publishes the book 'The Long Road To Greenham' (22 Mar).
*Georgina Smith and Jean Hutchinson take their case to the House of Lords, to challenge bylaws brought into effect by the Ministry of Defence (MoD), preventing access to the Greenham Common Royal Air Force (RAF) base by protestors (10 May).
*Greenham women win legal battle appeal (13 Jul).
*Cutting on 'Protesters find common cause with residents' (6 Aug).
*The Sun publishes 'Scram Scrounger' (3 Nov).
1991
Debate about the continuation of the Greenham Common Peace Camp after the United States of America (USA) military base is decommissioned in 1991.
Investigation and debate on the rights of commoners on common land.
Various protests, trespassing and disruptions to the military base are maintained by protestors.
*The final cruise missile is removed (6 Feb).
*Mother of Helen Thomas [who died outside the gates of Greenham Common military base 1989] fails to overturn an inquest verdict of accidental death (24 Apr).
*Peace women cost tax payers £500,000 a year, according to RAF commander Andrew Brookes (8 Aug).
Various articles on the ten-year anniversary of the Greenham Common Peace Camp.
1992
Newbury residents become more vocal and visible in the debate of what should happen to Greenham Common, after the removal of the cruise missiles from the RAF base. Their opinion of the Greenham Common women continues to be publicly disapproving.
Protestors maintain that the Greenham Common Peace Camp will continue.
*United States Air Force (USAF) announce that they will leave the Greenham Common military base later this year (16 Jan).
*The women of Yellow Gate lodge a complaint against the BBC after a Women's Hour feature 'misrepresented' the Greenham Common women's campaign (Apr).
*Sarah Hipperson has her jail sentence quashed, for criminal damage in 1987 (circa. May)
*The RAF Greenham Common base fence is ruled illegal (24 May).
1993
The Greenham Common peace camp continues.
Debate about the future of Greenham Common continues.
*Rosy Bremer, Claire Pearson, Katrina Howse and Aniko Jones, loose their case against Newbury District Council for eviction.
*Cyclist is killed on the road at the same location as where Helen Thomas died in 1990 (10 Aug).
*Ten year anniversary of the arrival of cruise missiles at Greenham Common. Opinions of 7 women (Beeban Kidron, Indra Morris, Joan Smith, Sarah Simms, Lynne Franks, Evelyn Parker and Marjorie Thompson) (7 Nov).
1994
*The women of Blue Gate camp leave Greenham Common (27 Jan).
*Yellow Gate Greenham Common peace protestors mark the five year anniversary of the death of Helen Thomas (12 Aug).
*Article titled 'The Greenham Spirit' features interviews with Peggy Walford, Rosy Bremer and Katrina Howse (Nov).
1995
*'Walk for Peace' arrives at Greenham Common (2 Feb).
Press cuttings
5GCW/E/4 Mar 1995 - Dec 1999
Contents:
Chronological summary of key press cuttings and main events covered:
1995
Article on the jailing of Helen John for protest action in Yorkshire and the subsequent Yellow Gate press release (Mar).
*Katrina Howse holds an exhibition in London (10 Mar).
*Plans to demolish concrete runways and take down the RAF Greenham Common base fence are announced (20 Mar).
*Micheal Heseltine (Deputy Prime Minister) visits Greenham Common (3 Aug).
*Review of nuclear protests and response (5 Aug).
Debate on what Greenham Common should become resume.
Yellow Gate women campaign for the land to return to its original common status.
*Article on Alan Davies mentioning his visit to Greenham Common peace camp.
*Yellow Gate publish a book 'Greenham Common Women's Peace Camp: A History of Nonviolent Resistance, 1984-1995'. Edited by Beth Junor and illustrated by Katrina Howse (5 Dec).
1996
*The Sunday Telegraph publishes a leaked report on a radioactive contamination of Berkshire, after a fire at the RAF Greenham Common airbase in 1958 (4 Jul).
*The Independent On Sunday publishes 'The Women Who Didn't Give Up', an eleven-page supplement on the Greenham Common women. Includes interviews with Katrina Howse, Beth Junor, Sarah Hipperson, Jean Hutchinson, and Aniko Jones (28 Jul).
*Four women compaigners from The East Timor Ploughshare Group are acquitted of damaging a military jet plane that was due to have been exported to East Timor (1 Aug).
1997
*RAF Greenham Common sold to Newbury District Council for restoration as common land (29 Mar).
*The Guardian publishes 'Keeping the Peace', a feature on the Greenham Common peace camp, to mark the 16 year anniversary by Libby Brookes. Fetures interviews with Scilla Elworthy and Rebecca Johnson, and mentions Jean Hutchinson (4 Sep).
*The Greenham Common perimeter fence comes down (15 Sep).
Interview with Sarah Hipperson and Jean Hutchinson in 'The Universe' charting the history of Greenham Common Women's Peace Camp, titled 'Non-nuclear Dreams, by Paul Donovan (21 Sep).
1998
*Interview with Sarah Hipperson by Cynthia Kee in 'Space' (13 Mar).
*Jury fails to reach a verdict in the case against Sarah Hipperson and Peggy Walford for cutting fences around the Burghfield nuclear weapons assembly. They claimed self defense (19 Mar)
*Katrina Howse's attempt to bring an injunction to West Berkshire Council to stop their plans to build an 'enterprise centre' on Greenham Common fails. Article on the potential cost to the tax payer of the court action (9 Apr).
*Numerous articles on Greenham Common Peace Women offering to leave Greenham Common if the council agrees to a memorial garden being built at the site. Interviews with, and mentions of Sarah Hipperson, Jean Hutchinson, and Peggy Walford (16 Jul).
*Article asking why the peace women are still at Greenham Common, by Anne Treneman in the Independent. Featuring Peggy Walford and Katrina howse (1 Aug).
*Controversy over possible memorial garden, and subsequent debate over the importance of the Greenham Common peace women's protests.
*Article in The Herald, charting the history of the Greenham Common peace women's protests and the memorial garden proposal by Loudon Temple. Featuring Sarah Hipperson and her story (2 Nov).
*Sarah Hipperson's caravan is threatened with seizure when she fails to pay court costs, despite suing her legal firms after their failure to file necessary paperwork concerning the fines (12 Nov).
1999
Continued debate and controversy over the proposal to build a Greenham Common memorial garden to the peace protests.
Continued attempts by the MoD to claim court costs from the peace protestors.
*Plans to make Greenham Common into a wildlife reserve and eco-friendly business park (6 Jun).
*Greenham common peace women decide to leave Greenham Common in 2000 whatever the outcome of the memorial garden proposal (9 Sep).
*Article in The Times on the legacy of the Peace Camp children by Grace Bradberry (10 Sep).
*Article titled 'Mothers' Day' by Fay Weldon (12 Sep).
*Article in The Guardian on the Greenham Common Peace women by Lynne Segal (30 Dec).
Press cuttings
5GCW/E/5 Jan 2000 - Jun 2005
Contents:
Chronological summary of key press cuttings and main events covered:
2000
Continued interest in Greenham Common's redevelopment as a business park, and its 'return to the people'.
*Feature article titled 'There's more power in female protest' investigating women protests and in particular mother's protests, by Yvonne Roberts. Quotes Jill Liddington.(21 Mar).
*Feature article titled 'How the women of Wales fought for peace', including interviews with Jill Evans and Jean Hutchinson (27 May).
Articles on a memorial for Helen Thomas [died 1989 when hit by a police horse box on the road outside Greenham Common Peace Camp], including suggestions on a sculpture park, and a general Greenham Common Peace Camp memorial.
*Report that the memorial garden is being built and the protest women will be leaving the Greenham Common camp (31 Aug).
*Feature supplement titled 'Coming off the fence' by Robert Sandall, charting the history of the Greenham Common women's peace camp. Interviews with Helen John, Evelyn Parker, Lesley McIntyre, Allison Leverton, Rebecca Johnson, Cynthia Cockburn, Alison Vernon-Smith and Rosy Bremer (circa. Sep).
Articles on the imminent end of the Greenham Common Women's Peace Camp after 19 years.
Most of the cuttings that follow are a large collection of articles on the closure of the Greenham Common Women's Peace Camp and the leaving of the protestors (5 Sep). Featuring many of the women listed above, significantly Sarah Hipperson, and charting the history of the camp, plus evaluation of their successes and legacy.
Various letters printed in the press in response to the Greenham Common Women's Peace camp closure.
*Article on Thatcham Town Council's rejection of sculpture park memorial proposal (14 Sep).
*Article on the unveiling of the sculpture park memorial proposal by the Greenham Common Peace Women and mentioning Helen Thomas (circa. Sep).
2001
*Cutting on Arthur Scargill's support for the Greenham Common Peace Women (13 Sep).
*Cutting on the sculpture park memorial and it's approval by West Berkshire Council, mentions Helen Thomas (13 Sep).
2002
A series of articles on the appeal fund to raise the money needed to build the sculpture park.
Tributes to Joan Hayman, veteran Greenham Common Peace Protestor, who died in 2002.
*Article on the work started to build the memorial garden (10 Oct).
2003
Continued attempts to raise the public profile of the campaign to fund the building of the memorial garden.
2005
Articles on the reuniting of the peace women at Greenham Common, to launch the publication of Sarah Hipperson's book 'Greenham: Non-violent women v The Crown Prerogative' (23 June).
2000
Continued interest in Greenham Common's redevelopment as a business park, and its 'return to the people'.
*Feature article titled 'There's more power in female protest' investigating women protests and in particular mother's protests, by Yvonne Roberts. Quotes Jill Liddington.(21 Mar).
*Feature article titled 'How the women of Wales fought for peace', including interviews with Jill Evans and Jean Hutchinson (27 May).
Articles on a memorial for Helen Thomas [died 1989 when hit by a police horse box on the road outside Greenham Common Peace Camp], including suggestions on a sculpture park, and a general Greenham Common Peace Camp memorial.
*Report that the memorial garden is being built and the protest women will be leaving the Greenham Common camp (31 Aug).
*Feature supplement titled 'Coming off the fence' by Robert Sandall, charting the history of the Greenham Common women's peace camp. Interviews with Helen John, Evelyn Parker, Lesley McIntyre, Allison Leverton, Rebecca Johnson, Cynthia Cockburn, Alison Vernon-Smith and Rosy Bremer (circa. Sep).
Articles on the imminent end of the Greenham Common Women's Peace Camp after 19 years.
Most of the cuttings that follow are a large collection of articles on the closure of the Greenham Common Women's Peace Camp and the leaving of the protestors (5 Sep). Featuring many of the women listed above, significantly Sarah Hipperson, and charting the history of the camp, plus evaluation of their successes and legacy.
Various letters printed in the press in response to the Greenham Common Women's Peace camp closure.
*Article on Thatcham Town Council's rejection of sculpture park memorial proposal (14 Sep).
*Article on the unveiling of the sculpture park memorial proposal by the Greenham Common Peace Women and mentioning Helen Thomas (circa. Sep).
2001
*Cutting on Arthur Scargill's support for the Greenham Common Peace Women (13 Sep).
*Cutting on the sculpture park memorial and it's approval by West Berkshire Council, mentions Helen Thomas (13 Sep).
2002
A series of articles on the appeal fund to raise the money needed to build the sculpture park.
Tributes to Joan Hayman, veteran Greenham Common Peace Protestor, who died in 2002.
*Article on the work started to build the memorial garden (10 Oct).
2003
Continued attempts to raise the public profile of the campaign to fund the building of the memorial garden.
2005
Articles on the reuniting of the peace women at Greenham Common, to launch the publication of Sarah Hipperson's book 'Greenham: Non-violent women v The Crown Prerogative' (23 June).
VHS Cassettes
5GCW/F 1980-2001
Contents:
Video copies of documentaries and television programmes made specifically concerning GCW peace camp. Also includes recordings of relevant news items.
Critical Mass
5GCW/F/1 1980
Contents:
Documentary, by Dr Helen Caldicott. Video For Peace Series.
Removal of Fence, Greenham Common
5GCW/F/2 18 Jun 1987
Contents:
Film of direct action by Women's Peace Camp - Fence Cutting, Thames Valley Police, Technical Support Unit.
Resistance or Bust: Greenham Women 12 Years
5GCW/F/3 1994
Contents:
Documentary, made by Sadie Walters and Zoey Faulkner.
Greenham Common Yellow Gate Meeting Hiroshima Day
5GCW/F/4 6 Aug 1995
Channel 4 News, announcement of the proposed commemoration site
5GCW/F/5 Aug-Sep 1998
Open University
5GCW/F/6 Aug 1999
Closure of Greenham Women's Peace Camp
5GCW/F/7 6 Sep 2000
Contents:
Small section at beginning of tape.
Inauguration of Commemorative and Historic Site
5GCW/F/8 5 Oct 2002
King's Cross Women's Centre
5GCW/G c.1986-1991
Contents:
Correspondence, leaflets and press clippings concerning relationship between Yellow Gate Camp and King's Cross Women's Centre. Includes information on the 1987 split between Yellow Gate and the other peace camps at Greenham - this included one accusation relating to racism.
Notes on Nuclear Convoy Deployment
5GCW/H c.1994-1996
Arrangement:
Newsletter 'Nuclear Sites Community Forum' (Spring 1995) and booklet 'Arms Control and Disarmament' (Foreign & Commonwealth Office, Oct 1994) have been removed to relevant files.
Contents:
Contains manuscript notes detailing movements of nuclear convoys around Greenham and information on convoy composition.
Development of Greenham Common
5GCW/I 1995-2001
Contents:
Includes information published by Greenham Common Trust on the development of Greenham Common, correspondence and notes concerning an application for lottery funding to digitise archival material concerning Greenham Common [2000], and documents concerning a proposal to create a Greenham Museum [1995-1997].
Photographs
5GCW/J 1982-2002
1 a box box [to be repackaged]
Contents:
Bundles of loose mixed photographs. When deposited at The Women's Library some of the photographs had been sorted into chronological order or had manuscript annotations on the reverse indicating who or what was pictured. However, the majority remain unidentified.
Photographs in Bundles 1-18 have been sorted by date. Brief descriptions and manuscript notes have been given.
Photographs in Bundles 19- are undated and have been sorted by themes (some given prior to deposit).
The photographs need to be more fully identified (esp. for individuals) and need to be repackaged fully.
GLOVES TO BE WORN BY READERS
1983 - Katrina
5GCW/J/01 1983
Contents:
* Katrina [??] at Aldermaston Mar 1983
1985a - Police
5GCW/J/02 1985
Contents:
* Police lined up at night.
* Police at caravan.
Pay Women Not the Military
5GCW/J/03 Dec 1985
Contents:
* Event with banner 'International Wages for Housework Campaign, International Black Women for Wages for Housework'
* Police at caravan.
* 1 colour photograph [same banners, unclear if it is a different date as stated on the reverse or the same event]
Black & White.
1986 - Kings Cross Women's Committee
5GCW/J/04 1986
Contents:
* 12 Nov 1986: US army vehicle
* 13 Nov 1986: Court with Sarah H
* Black & white group of people and police at the camp.
* 18-19 Oct 1986 'Welcome to Argyle Square Women's Peace Camp, London England'
Stamped on reverse 'Kings Cross Women's Committee'
1987 - Arrested in Whitehall
5GCW/J/05 Dec 1985
Contents:
* Arrested in Whitehall. [Black & White].
* 25 Oct: Anti-Cruise Convoy to Yellow Gate, Sara C. showing a van with Greenham graffiti.
* 12-13 Dec: 2x End of workshop Lisa & Penny
* Interior of tent - protester with cat
* 'Yellow Gate, Greenham Common Her to stay Here to Verify' banner [also in Greek?] stamped on reverse 'King's Cross Women's Centre'
* Oct 1987 Solveig & Eva's visit
1988 - Iron Bar Picket
5GCW/J/06 1988
Contents:
* 'Iron Bar Picket - Germany 4 & 3 of launcher' [manuscript note on original folder]. Also black and white photograph of 'Yellow Gate picket' at the American Embassy in London holding 'Iron Bar' posters
* 'Imber Court case' [manuscript note on original folder]
* Time Off 1988
* 'Sanctuary'
* Group portrait of Wilmette, Caesanna and others at Greenham- Sara C
* Film crew carrying out interviews
* Views of children visiting.
* Katrina Camp Photo [collecting firewood]
* 4 Aug 1988 4x Bee Ring's Photo showing a protester being physically removed from Greenham Common gate by police (black and white)
* Burning flags convoy
* saxophone players by fence
1989 - Hiroshima & Imber
5GCW/J/07 1989
Contents:
* Helen's Garden, Yellow Gate
* Banners and balloons
* Hiroshima: Exhibition of Greenham photographs and painting
* Hiroshima with Survivors
* Hiroshima Peace Bell at peace Park
* Okinawa International Solidarity Conference For the ....Free World.
* Children at the camp
* 25 Mar 1989 - Art Exhibition, Imber Village & Church - occupation by Greenham women with police.
* 'B Johanna Muller. K at 9's Boat, Basel May 1989'
* 1 sheet with manuscript notes detailing Hiroshima photographs.
1990 - Sanctuary and Banners
5GCW/J/08 1990
Contents:
* Banners hung in camp with police (11 photographs )
* By the fence (2 photographs )
* Police (4 photographs )
* Sofa by the camp fire (5 photographs )
* 'Sanctuary' inc one of Sue Frazer and other views (15 photographs )
* Helen Wynn Thomas - memorial meal [black & white]
* Jul 1990 Morgreen & Anniko, arrested Salisbury Plain.
1991 - 10th Birthday
5GCW/J/09 1991
Contents:
* Spring /Jun flowers by the Sanctuary (yellow irises, gorse, daffodils, tulips). 8 photographs
* Aug 1991 Salisbury Plain walk.
* Sep 1991, Visit of Kazuto, Fu and Chieko: includes visit to Imber Village Church;
* 5 Sep 1991, Trespassing in the Base, includes: a rear view of a journalist from 'The Independent' trespassing; Hanger 303;
* Sep 1991, The Gate with banners on the 10th birthday
* Sep 1991, 'Our History is recorded in our Newsletters' Image
* Sep 1991, Frances Vigas photograph of 3 [Japanese?] women in front of banners.
* Sep 1991, Visiting Janet at Pucklechurch
* 1991 Hyde Park 'No War' rally, Greenham banner
* Yellow Gate 10th Anniversary in winter
* Aug 1991 Ethel by 'Yellow Gate The Struggle Continues' Banner
1992 - Free Jane Tavner
5GCW/J/10 1992
Contents:
* Airport and camp banners re deportation of Jane Tavner
* [Japanese?] visitor to camp.
1993 - Inside the Caravan
5GCW/J/11 1993
Contents:
* Interiors of the caravan
1995 - Walk Across Europe For a Nuclear Free World
5GCW/J/12 1995
Contents:
* 20 Feb 1995 (Monday) Walk Across Europe For a Nuclear Free World, showing banners, entry to Greenham Common, The Walk tour coach, 19 Feb meeting between the tour group and Greenham women (16 photographs ).
* Walk Across Europe includes group portrait showing: Peggy (GB), Ute (Germany), Sarah (GB), Katrina (GB), Anniko (GB), Jolanda (Ned), Anke (Ned), Kloske (Ned), Katleen (Belgium), Laura (United States of America), Rosie (GB).
* Aldermaston - cutting wire fences (2 photographs )
* Aldermaston includes: 21 Feb group portrait by gate: Kloske (Ned), Jolanda (Ned), Anke (Ned), Laura (United States of America), Anniko (GB), Katrina (GB), Katleen (Belgium), Ute (Germany), Antonia (Austria), Eve (B), [?] (France), Rosanne (United States of America), [?] (GB), Astrid (NL).
*[Apr?] 1995, Gert coming from the DAC in Berlin, manuscript note to Anniko from Katleen on reverse.
* 15 Nov 1995 Book Launch (5 photographs )
* Assorted photographs including: camp, Peggy Alford, Jean Hutchinson, Frances Vigas, painting banners, anti Greenham graffiti - 'Newbury Hates Peace Whores' (9 photographs )
* Aug 1995 protester being physically removed by police
1996 - Mainly from 'Summer 1996' bundle
5GCW/J/13 1996
Contents:
* Iranian Sanctions Protest outside Houses of Parliament 17 Jan 1996 (6 photographs ).
'SUMMER 1996' bundle (28 photographs ):
* Views of the caravan;
* '15 Years of Resistance' banner;
* Hiroshima Art Banners;
* Beth and Peggy before Hiroshima action;
* Peggy's Wonderful hat;
* Radio Interview Hiroshima/Nagasaki, morning after action;
* 1996, Helen's Memorial [flowers]
1997a - 'Year 2000 Without Nuclear Weapons'
5GCW/J/14 1997
Contents:
* 'Year 2000 Without Nuclear Weapons' banner
* Group portraits with wire cutters
* Interiors of caravan
* camp
* 'Happy Birthday 16 Years, Yellow Gate Women's Peace Camp' poster
* Banners and balloons, strung from the trees (several of these photographs can be dated by the vase of flowers): Banners depict: History of Greenham, (Police, protesters, events); art works with women; 'Power to the Sisters - All life comes from the earth, All humanity is born from Women';
* On our way to vote 1 May 1997
1997b - Reading Crown Court case
5GCW/J/15 Sep 1997
Contents:
* Banners / Posters: 'Found Not Guilty'; 'Leukaemia'.
* Group and individual shots outside the court. Includes 'Jean'.
1998 - Remember Nagasaki
5GCW/J/16 1998
Contents:
* 'Remember Nagasaki' Banner and group by gate
1999 - Remembering Helen Thomas
5GCW/J/17 1999
Contents:
* 'Remembering Helen Thomas' banner and sign by caravan x2
* 'Year 2000 Without Nuclear Weapons' sign on caravan with flowers.
* Planning Application Sign 155804 pasted on caravan
* 2x 18th Birthday sign and balloons on caravan
2000 - Helen Thomas's Anniversary
5GCW/J/18 2000
Contents:
* Summer 2000, Views of the camp
* 'Helen's Anniversary' group shots.
Unity is Strength, Reading Solidarity Action. No Trident, No Aldermaston, No Leukaemias
5GCW/J/19 c.1987-2000
1 folder (30 photographs )
Contents:
* Banner 'Unity is Strength, Reading Solidarity Action. No Trident, No Aldermaston, No Leukaemias' inc. Arthur Scargill and other speakers by fence.
Flowers & Nature
5GCW/J/20 c.1987-2000
Contents:
Various photographs of flowers, trees, clouds, 'art works' using nature.
Walk around Greenham
5GCW/J/21 c.1987-2000
Contents:
Protest walk with banner.
Common Camp Cats
5GCW/J/22 c.1987-2000
Contents:
Several different cats at the camp.
Friends of the Earth
5GCW/J/23 c.1987-2000
Convoy & Police
5GCW/J/24 c.1987-2000
Contents:
[Original bundle title]. Includes 1 photo marked: 'Trident nuclear warhead leaving Burghfield'; some stamped 'King's Cross Women's Centre'.
Camp, Fence & Bailiffs
5GCW/J/25 c.1987-2000
Contents:
[Original bundle title]. Includes photograph of van marked with Janet Tavner slogans (c.1992).
Helen Thomas
5GCW/J/26 c.1987-2000
View from the camp 'The Road'
5GCW/J/27 c.1987-2000
Camp Life
5GCW/J/28 c.1987-2000
Contents:
Various images - camp fire; toothbrushes; the postman; snow, jam, tents, The Sanctuary
Banners - With Slogans
5GCW/J/29 c.1987-2000
Contents:
* 'Women's Peace Camp Greenham Common / Where's the Peace Dividend / Unlock Defence Budget to Benefit us all Trident Costs £33 Billion. STOP TRIDENT' banners. (6 photographs )
* Trafalgar Square 'Trident Means £37 Billion 480 Million Dead no Future' banner (2 photographs )
* 'Freedom for Tooting'; 'Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament'; 'Women say no to War preparations'
* 'Women for peace on Earth'
* ''You are worth too much to support weapons'
* 'Peace Camp'
* 'In memory of Helen Thomas, killed on 5 Aug 1989 by a Police Horsebox er cof annwyi';
* 'For £10 billion - £1400000per day 512 Trident Nuclear War heads in need of an enemy';
* 'When Hiroshima is spoken of no gentle reply may be heard, Can arms not be discarded and garrison bases removed?';
* 'Major Kinnock Bush Hussein All war mongering politicians - HM the Queen - Blood on Your Hands! Yellow Gate 10 years of non-violent struggle.
* 'US/USSR/UK warmongers - women of the world are watching [we] demand Peace & Justice not more wars [??] of the Middle East'; [Union of Soviet Socialist Republics (USSR)]
* 'That whenever any form of government becomes destructive it is the right of the people to alter or to abolish it.... from The Declaration of Independence of America'.
* Greenham for a Miners' Victory. We will stand the struggle through'.
* 'CND rejects autonomous non-aligned anti racist Greenham'; CND national Council is all white again'. [protesters at a CND conference].
Katrina Howse Banners
5GCW/J/30 c.1996
Contents:
Banners by Katrina Howse, mural artist at Greenham. Banners shown in situ - mainly hung from the trees. Includes some invitations to an exhibition held by Howse at Greenham Yellow Gate Sep 1996.
Banners - Art works
5GCW/J/31 c.1987-2000
Contents:
Banners - mainly displayed on the fence. Includes a number of appliqué works. Also some graffiti.
Inside the Base
5GCW/J/32 c.1987-2000
Contents:
Views taken from the fence, also from inside the base.
People
5GCW/J/33 c.1987-2000
1 folder (122 photographs
Contents:
Various people, many unidentified / unknown.
Removal of the caravan
5GCW/J/34 c.2000
1 folder (122 photographs
Contents:
This bundle was originally marked 'Asta'
Outsize Photographs
5GCW/J/35 1996
Contents:
* Camp life (3 photographs )
* Imber Church (2 photographs ) removed from 5/GCW/A/6
* Colour paper printouts: banners, caravan, also display of disarmament banners at [Spitalfields? Church scaffold], 3 photographs of memorial garden, 1 photo of Helen Thomas.
* Summer 1996 (9 photographs ) inc. Serving Papers
* Jan 2000 (11 photographs )
* 20 mixed outsize photographs: protests, fence, police, closure of the camp
Negatives
5GCW/J/36 c.1987-2000
Contents:
Unsorted negatives.
