Object of the Month April 2012
Kinder mass trespass flyer from April 1932
Every month a volunteer chooses an interesting object, book or document from the Library collection, which is displayed in the hall of the Library.
This flyer was produced by the Manchester branch of the British Workers' Sports Federation to publicise their planned mass trespass of Kinder Scout in the Peaks in 1932. They had the idea at Easter of that year, when they and visitors from London were prevented by gamekeepers from rambling on Bleaklow. At that time, landowners used the moors and peaks to farm grouse for shooting, and prevented walkers from enjoying the countryside to protect this sport.
The BWSF, which included young activist Benny Rothman, decided to stage a ‘mass trespass' of Kinder Scout, the highest point in the Peak District. The sheer numbers involved would make it impossible for the gamekeepers to stop them from walking where they wished and would make a powerful statement.
They achieved their goal, despite the arrest of Rothman and four others for unlawful assembly and breach of the peace. The trespass has been recognised as a pivotal event in the campaign for the right to roam, which eventually resulted in the creation of National Parks and the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000.
This flyer is from the extensive Benny Rothman collection in our archive. It was produced by the BWSF to give to the ‘young workers of Eccles' in the weeks before the trespass on 24 April. It promises not only an important political protest but also fun: ‘the best day out you've ever had'. We have made it our object of the month to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the trespass.
We are also reliving the events of the day via Twitter, using the hashtag #kinder80.
A festival of events is taking place to mark the 80th anniversary - details at www.kindertrespass.com.