union banner

This silk banner is from the National Union of Agricultural Workers. Previously named the Eastern Counties Agricultural Labourers Union which was formed in Norfolk during the 19th Century. Banners can become the embodiment of an organisation, a potent symbol of beliefs and hopes for change. This banner depicts Justice showing workers the co-operative future alongside children and old people gathered around a village green with slogans and quotations from the Sheringham Hymn Writer Robert Green. The reverse side shows farming scenes including horses ploughing, a tractor harrowing and horses pulling a seed drill. The union was founded by George Edwards a Norfolk farm worker born in 1850 whose first job was scaring birds, during his childhood he lived for a time in the workhouse. George never attended school and could not read or write until he was taught by his wife Charlotte Corke. Armed with his new skills, energy and a bicycle he travelled thousands of miles organising meetings and signing men up to the union. In recognition of his work during World War One he received an OBE, after which he was elected to Parliament as the Labour MP for South Norfolk in 1918. George Edwards received a knighthood in 1930.