Nelson to honor Spanish Civil War volunteers with memorial plaque
Nelson to honor Spanish Civil War volunteers with memorial plaque
Unity Wellbeing Hall in Nelson is set to unveil a memorial plaque in recognition of Lancashire volunteers who fought in the 1930s Spanish Civil War or supported Spain from home, marking the conflict’s 90th anniversary.
Originally built in 1907 by the Independent Labour Party (ILP), the hall—previously named Unity Hall—holds archives covering local history and its role in political movements, including involvement in the Spanish Civil War. The hall has been described as a focal point of Nelson's radical political heritage.
Lancashire's involvement in the Spanish Civil War
Gary Webb, who developed Unity Hall’s library with his brother, noted the historical significance of the conflict to Nelson and Lancashire as a whole.
“The Spanish Civil War is part of Nelson’s history – and Lancashire’s. We have material here about Spain donated by supporters of the International Brigade Memorial Trust, a charity which raises awareness of the civil war and looks after memorials in Britain to people who helped Spain,” Webb explained.
Lancashire towns including Nelson, Chorley, Burnley, Accrington, and Rossendale actively raised funds and resources through campaigns like Food For Spain and Spanish Medical Aid, supporting Spain's fight against fascism.
Aid and solidarity
Lewis Ashworth, a history graduate from UCLAN, researched Lancashire’s Spanish Civil War links and highlighted the solidarity demonstrated by the region.
“It’s inspiring to learn about ordinary, working people who travelled to Spain to defend democracy and tried to stop fascism,” Ashworth said.
Aid efforts included fundraising for ambulances to send to Spain and organizing support for Basque refugee children who arrived in Lancashire.
In Nelson alone, over £114 was raised in one month as part of campaigns led by the community and local organizations.
Hall’s historical significance
In addition to commemorating the Spanish Civil War, Unity Hall showcases other movements—such as those led by suffragette Selina Cooper—via displays supported by the National Heritage Lottery Fund.
Nelson Town Council meets at the hall, which remains connected to Pendle Council and embeds its historical role within the community.
An event by the International Brigade Memorial Trust commemorating the Spanish Civil War will occur at Manchester Central Library on 28th February, featuring afternoon music sessions and celebrations.