Discover the workers who lit a fire under the trade union movement

In July 1888 just over 700 young men and women struck a blow for social justice when they walked out on strike in protest at poor pay and unfair working conditions, from the east London factory where they were employed.

The impoverished young men and women, some barely in their teens, were match workers at the Bryant and May factory. Despite their lack of schooling and position in society they forced their employers to bow to their demands, and today the strike is considered a landmark event in the history of British trade unionism. It resulted in the formation of the Union of Women Matchmakers and inspired the formation of other unions across the country.

Findmypast.com has added records for the 700 strike participants and now you can discover the names, home addresses, occupations, and wages of those involved. Find out how much they were paid from the strike fund, what their marital status was, and who they lived with.

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