Event    From /9/1921  To /9/1921

Poplar Rates Rebellion

Tax protest led by George Lansbury supported by the councillors of Poplar Borough Council.  On behalf of Poplar, an extremely poor borough, they held back taxes and were taken to court for non-payment.  A protest march was organised from Bow to the High Court.  30 councillors were sent to prison; the men to Brixton, the women to Holloway. After 6 weeks the court succumbed to public opinion and set them free, and central government quickly passed a bill which reduced the tax burden on poorer boroughs.

The photo shows the women councillors leaving for prison: Millie Lansbury (at window),
Jeannie MacKay, Susan Lawrence and Nellie Cressall.

During their time in prison council meetings continued.  The women were taxied to Brixton more than 30 times.

This section lists the memorials where the subject on this page is commemorated:
Poplar Rates Rebellion

Commemorated ati

Poplar Rate Rebels mural - 1

The mural refers to "30 councillors" but actually names only 29.  The count o...

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Other Subjects

Joseph Newbon

Joseph Newbon

Founded the United Wards Club and fought to have the Bell Inn plaque erected. Born Blackheath. Died Putney. The picture source website provides much information about Newbon.

Person, Politics & Administration

1 memorial
C. E. Wilson

C. E. Wilson

Church Warden of St Alban, Wood Street in 1865.

Person, Politics & Administration

1 memorial
Sir Charles Wentworth Dilke (Jnr)

Sir Charles Wentworth Dilke (Jnr)

Born 76 Sloane Street, Chelsea. Second baronet. Politician and writer. As a rising member of parliament, he was regarded as a future prime minister. He fell from grace when he was cited in the divo...

Person, Literature, Politics & Administration

2 memorials
David Arthur Gay

David Arthur Gay

Born Plumstead. David was a director of St John's, Smith Square Charitable Trust, 14 Oct 1997 - 27 Jan 2010. Died at St Mary’s Paddington. We are grateful to David's son, Shaun, for the information...

Person, Politics & Administration

1 memorial