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In pictures

Protest in the 20th century

Our collections represent the voice of government, but in doing so, reveal the actions and agitations of campaigners fighting for change. They offer unique insights into 20th-century protests around issues such as ableism, homophobia, sexism and racism.

Important information

Please note this page references hunger strikes and force feeding, which some people may find upsetting.

Map showing the route of the Great Suffrage Pilgrimage

Map of England and Wales almost like a rail network plan showing stops on routes leading to London.
Date
1913
Catalogue reference
HO 45/10695/231366
Map of England and Wales almost like a rail network plan showing stops on routes leading to London.

Petition from suffragette Sylvia Pankhurst to the Home Office

Official form on blue paper, filled in with black ink.
Date
1913
Catalogue reference
HO 144/1558/234191
Official form on blue paper, filled in with black ink.

A selection of police photographs of militant suffragettes

Ten un-posed portrait photos of women.
Date
1914
Catalogue reference
AR 1/528
Ten un-posed portrait photos of women.

Letter by campaigner Dr Harold Moody

Typewritten document on paper headed 'THE LEAGUE OF COLOURED PEOPLES'.
Date
1945
Catalogue reference
MH 55/1656
Typewritten document on paper headed 'THE LEAGUE OF COLOURED PEOPLES'.

Letter from the Homosexual Law Reform Society to the Home Office

Typewritten letter on letterheaded paper.
Date
1963
Catalogue reference
HO 291/125
Typewritten letter on letterheaded paper.

Petition from the Homosexual Law Reform Society to the Prime Minister

Formal letter headed 'REFORM HOMOSEXUAL LAW PLEA TO PRIME MINISTER.
Date
1966
Catalogue reference
HO 291/127
Formal letter headed 'REFORM HOMOSEXUAL LAW PLEA TO PRIME MINISTER.

Grunwick strike bulletin

Printed document headed 'Grunwick Strike Committee (APEX)'.
Date
1977
Catalogue reference
LAB 10/3923/1
Printed document headed 'Grunwick Strike Committee (APEX)'.

Flyer in support of the Mangrove Nine

Flyer with photographs, columns of text and a cartoon headed 'BATTLE FOR FREEDOM AT OLD BAILEY'.
Date
1970
Catalogue reference
HO 325/143
Flyer with photographs, columns of text and a cartoon headed 'BATTLE FOR FREEDOM AT OLD BAILEY'.

Photograph used in the Scarman Report

Black and white photo of a car with smashed windows lying on its side in the street.
Date
1981
Catalogue reference
HO 266/89/6
Black and white photo of a car with smashed windows lying on its side in the street.

Poster supporting Asian antifascist campaigners the 'Bradford 12'

Poster with images and columns of text headed 'BRADFORD 12 BULLETIN'.
Date
1982
Catalogue reference
HO 325/512
Poster with images and columns of text headed 'BRADFORD 12 BULLETIN'.

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