A dramatic chapter in our family stories: The 1926 General Strike

Names and dates are an important part of building a family tree, as we create a timeline and follow our family line back through the centuries. But, as any experienced family historian will tell you, it is the historical context that turns cold facts into stories, as we begin to appreciate how events shaped our ancestors’ lives.

Sometimes the most revealing clues appear in moments of disruption, when everyday life is thrown off course. One of the most powerful examples of this in British history is the 1926 General Strike.

‘For family historians, this nine-day strike offers a fascinating and often detailed paper trail that captures ordinary working people navigating extraordinary circumstances,’ says Jen Baldwin, Research Specialist at Findmypast. ‘If your ancestors were living in Britain in 1926, there’s every chance they were touched by the strike, and may have left behind records that can add colour and context to your research.’

What was The General Strike?

The economic instability following the First World War left its mark on many aspects of British working life, not least the mining industry which, by the 1920s, was suffering from lower fuel prices, and profits, and higher interest rates. Miners were suddenly faced with a reduction in their wages and many were forced to work longer hours.

But this wasn’t just an event that affected miners, as negotiations broke down the Trades Union Congress called for much wider action, and around 1.7 million workers, from many different industries, took part in the strike. Suddenly railwaymen, steel workers, printers and many other workers were involved, affecting their families and communities, and adding a dramatic new chapter to our own family histories.

How did it affect our ancestors?

Naturally, the events dominated headlines across the country. Newspapers reported daily on developments, naming individuals involved in disputes, arrests, relief efforts, and local responses.

This information is now readily available to family historians, allowing us to trace these stories, find out how the country-wide crisis affected our ancestors’ lives, and even add new information to help us break through research brick walls.

What kind of records should you look for?

‘The General Strike created ripples that can be seen in multiple record types,’ explains Jen. ‘My top tip: rather than looking for one single document, your research should include multiple genealogical and social history sources, helping you to build a complete picture of what your ancestors were experiencing.’

Findmypast has a range of records relevant to this fascinating period. Electoral registers allow you to chart your ancestors’ movement; did they remain at the same address, or is there a sudden change around this period? Employment and occupational records will highlight gaps in work, job changes, or shifts in industry.

These records can be used to piece together a story and solve family history puzzles. Did your ancestor lose their job due to the strike? Perhaps they were called in to help cover for workers on strike. Did their community take part in rallies or did tensions in the area lead to confrontation or arrests? By uncovering these facts, we quickly understand why our ancestors made certain decisions, and why the timeline of their lives isn’t as straightforward as we might expect.

How newspapers add to the story

Explore the extensive archives, and it quickly becomes clear that newspapers provide perhaps the richest and most revealing source of all, giving us the chance to see these events explained in detail – from a reporter at the scene rather than just from dates and documents.

‘Newspapers are a real treasure trove when researching the General Strike – both to track ancestors and to understand the political dynamics of the moment,’ says Jen. ‘National newspapers should be thoroughly analysed to understand bias, while the local publications go deeper, giving us stories and insight into the communities, people, and places affected.’

Findmypast’s newspaper archive is the most extensive British and Irish newspaper archive online and offers this local perspective; you can search reports from specific towns and neighbourhoods; accounts of arrests, court proceedings, and labour disputes; and even personal mentions, letters to editors, and community updates.

Combining records to create the story

The real power of family history research lies in combining sources. A newspaper report might reveal an arrest. An electoral register might confirm where your ancestor lived at the time. An employment record might show the impact on their working life.

Individually, each piece tells part of the story, but together, they create a narrative that brings your ancestor’s experience into focus. The General Strike is one of those rare moments where records, people, and stories intersect in particularly revealing ways.

Be inspired to start your own search

These records, then, can add so much additional information to our family tree, though navigating and combining the many sources can sometimes feel challenging. That’s where Findmypast’s ‘A Family History of the General Strike’ podcast offers both inspiration and a fascinating case study; showing what’s possible when records and leads are properly followed.

The popular podcast focuses on British and Irish history through the experiences of ordinary people living through extraordinary times. Presented by Jen Baldwin, each episode uses original records and sources to tell remarkable stories through the eyes of those who lived them.

The series focusing on the General Strike explores the life of Will Lawther, an ordinary miner whose working life was shaped by the events of May 1926. Across four episodes, the podcast reconstructs his story step by step, using newspapers, archival records, and contemporary reports, and featuring special guest historian Jonathan Kindleysides, Head of Industry at the Beamish Museum.

‘This is the story not told in the history books,’ says Jen. ‘It’s a vivid exploration of how this moment shaped – and was shaped by – one Northumberland miner. Will Lawther’s story is like millions of others in so many ways, yet this remarkable event catapulted him to protest, politics and eventually public acclaim. I’d encourage all family history fans to listen now, wherever you get your podcasts.’

Stories waiting to be discovered

If your ancestors were living in Britain in 1926, they didn’t just witness history, they lived it. They made choices, faced challenges, and adapted to circumstances beyond their control. And in doing so, they left traces behind. Those traces are still there, waiting to be discovered.

By exploring newspapers alongside official records, by paying attention to anomalies, and by following the leads they reveal, you can begin to uncover the human stories behind the headlines. And with resources like Findmypast, and inspiration from the ‘A Family History Of…’ podcast, you have everything you need to discover your own ancestors’ stories.

How Findmypast can help your search

To uncover these kinds of stories, you need access to the right records, and the ability to connect them. Findmypast is uniquely positioned for this kind of research, offering:

• The largest online archive of English, Welsh, Scottish, and Irish records
• The most extensive British and Irish newspaper collection available online
• Exclusive local, regional, and national resources

Its partnerships with organisations such as The National Archives and The British Library ensure access to authoritative and comprehensive resources. In addition, tools such as family tree builders and smart hints help surface relevant records you might otherwise miss, making it easier to connect the dots between sources.

Find out more at: www.findmypast.co.uk