In the mid 1970s, New Cross and surrounding areas became the focus of racist activity by neo-Nazis and the National Front (NF). This culminated in an attempted march by 500 members of the NF. Various counter-demonstrations led to violent clashes. 5,000 police officers were involved and 56 were injured. 214 people were arrested, and later disturbances in Lewisham, saw the first use of police riot shields in Britain.
The 2019 film White Riot contains extensive footage of the events that day.
This event took place almost exactly 83 years after the similar anti-fascist protest at Cable Street.
Credit for this entry to: Alan Patient of www.plaquesoflondon.co.uk
