What do we think we know about the 1984–85 miners’ strike?

That the pits were uneconomic, the strike undemocratic, and the conflict simply a personal battle between Arthur Scargill and Margaret Thatcher.

This lunchtime talk, Dr Gavin Hawkton explores how these ideas became accepted as ‘common sense’ during and after the strike. Drawing on original research with journalists who reported the strike, he examines how journalistic practices, editorial decisions, and ideas of legitimacy shaped what could be said and what was dismissed. By revisiting familiar narratives and introducing overlooked perspectives, the talk shows how collective memories are formed, why they endure, and why misunderstanding the strike still matters today.

Lunchtime Talks are completely free, but spaces are limited so booking is advised.

Photo by Tim Mossholder on Unsplash