A Family History of...
Ordinary lives at extraordinary moments. Uncover hidden stories from the archives, revealing the human side of history. Each month, follow one story across several gripping episodes, and experience history through the eyes of those who lived it.
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The General Strike begins. Britain comes to a standstill.
It’s 1926, and the nation is unrecognisable. Trains idle, newspapers fall silent. In the middle of it, Will Lawther, councillor and trusted voice of the miners, finds himself pulled into confrontations charged with fear. Joined once more by historian Jonathan Kindleysides (Beamish Museum), host and genealogist Jen Baldwin follows the evidence that traces Will’s sudden collision with state power. In a week when authority is contested at every crossroads, Will becomes a symbol of something larger: a community standing firm as the country tilts into crisis. But raising his voice comes at a cost.
Britain in crisis: the 1926 General Strike
Millions of workers went on strike in May 1926 in solidarity with miners facing wage cuts. As unrest crystallised into militant action, daily life changed overnight. With the cogs of the labour machine no longer moving, Britain came to a standstill.
Explore the records featured in A Family History of The General Strike
1891 England, Wales and & Scotland Census
We find Will Lawther with his parents and brother George in the 1891 Census. His father is a coal miner. The family would grow in the years to come, with Will the eldest of 13 siblings.
National School Admission Registers & Log-Books 1870-1914
School registers reveal that Will and his brother Robert attended Barrington Colliery’s school, having already studied at Choppington Colliery.
Leicester Catholic News
1920 marked Will’s first foray into the world of politics. He ran for the position of Seaham’s Labour Party candidate.
The 1921 Census of England and Wales
By 1921, Will had risen in the ranks to become the checkweighman at Victoria Garesfield Colliery.
Daily Herald
Amidst wage disputes, Will is charged with inciting a riot at Chopwell Colliery. His trial is set to take place at Gateshead.
Hartlepool Daily Northern Mail
Will stood trial for interfering with the distribution of foodstuffs at Winlaton Mill; this act of rebellion was seen as a dangerous threat to law and order and newspaper stories reflect that.
1939 Register
In 1939, Will lived in Durham with his wife Lottie. He is listed as the President of Durham Miners’ Federation.
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Meet your host
Jen Baldwin, genealogist and research specialist
Jen Baldwin has worked professionally in genealogy since 2010 and is the Research Specialist for Findmypast, focusing on British social history and the value of UK collections for global researchers. She lectures internationally and has spoken at major events across North America and the UK, including regular appearances at Rootstech. In 2025, she delivered the keynote at the Guild of One-Name Studies Conference in Liverpool.
In 2024, she taught Everyday Life in England for the British Institute and presented at The Public Country House Conference in London. She co-hosts the historical true crime podcast Was Justice Served? and is a Trustee of the International Society for British Genealogy and Family History.
Discover your family’s story
Delve deeper into the archives to really understand the part your family played in history's extraordinary moments.
Jen's top tips for getting started:
Start your search with who you know. Search for family members like parents and grandparents.
Locations can make all the difference. If you don't know when someone was born, where can help narrow down results.
Check the original source. Once your search is completed, look out for the view original records button to see a HD scan and get extra details, clues and context.
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