Cable Street Mural, London’s Monument to Anti-Fascist Unity
A vibrant mural in East London commemorating the 1936 Battle of Cable Street and the community’s stand against fascism.
The Cable Street Mural in London’s East End vividly commemorates the 1936 Battle of Cable Street, where diverse local communities united to block a fascist march. Painted on the side of St George’s Town Hall, this large, colorful mural depicts the fierce resistance against the British Union of Fascists and celebrates the spirit of solidarity that shaped political history in East London.
A brief summary to Cable Street Mural
- Cable St, London, GB
- +442074807333
- Duration: 0.5 to 1.5 hours
- Free
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
- Monday 12 am-12 am
- Tuesday 12 am-12 am
- Wednesday 12 am-12 am
- Thursday 12 am-12 am
- Friday 12 am-12 am
- Saturday 12 am-12 am
- Sunday 12 am-12 am
Local tips
- Visit during daylight to fully appreciate the mural’s vivid colors and intricate details.
- Learn about the Battle of Cable Street beforehand to deepen your understanding of the mural’s historical context.
- Combine your visit with a walk around East London to explore the area’s rich cultural and political history.
- Respect the mural as a symbol of community resilience and avoid touching or defacing the artwork.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Seating Areas
- Information Boards
- Restrooms
- Trash Bins
Getting There
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London Underground
Take the District or Hammersmith & City line to Shadwell station, approximately a 10-15 minute walk to Cable Street Mural. Services run frequently, but the walk involves some uneven pavements. No direct parking nearby.
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Bus
Bus routes 100, D3, and 115 stop within a 5-minute walk of the mural. Buses run regularly throughout the day. This is a convenient option for those staying in East London neighborhoods.
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Walking
If you are exploring nearby areas such as Tower Hill or Aldgate, walking to Cable Street Mural takes about 20-30 minutes over mostly flat urban terrain, suitable for most fitness levels.
Cable Street Mural location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Clear Skies
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Rain / Wet Weather
Discover more about Cable Street Mural
A Historic Stand Against Fascism
The Cable Street Mural memorializes the dramatic events of October 4, 1936, when thousands of East Londoners, including Jewish residents, Irish dockers, socialists, anarchists, and trade unionists, united to prevent a march by Oswald Mosley’s British Union of Fascists. The planned route through the predominantly Jewish neighborhoods was met with fierce community resistance, barricades, and street battles against police forces protecting the fascists. The confrontation symbolized a powerful collective defiance against hatred and intolerance, ultimately forcing the fascists to retreat and influencing the introduction of the Public Order Act 1936, which banned political uniforms in public.Artistic Tribute Inspired by Social Realism
Commissioned for the 50th anniversary of the Battle of Cable Street, the mural was begun in 1976 by artist Dave Binnington, drawing inspiration from Mexican muralist Diego Rivera and the social realism movement. Binnington’s design employed a fisheye perspective to portray the chaotic energy of the clash, featuring protesters throwing projectiles, banners bearing anti-fascist slogans, overturned vehicles, police horses, and even a symbolic depiction of Hitler being pantsed. After vandalism and delays, the mural was completed in 1983 by Binnington’s collaborators Paul Butler, Ray Walker, and Desmond Rochfort, who infused their own styles while maintaining artistic unity.A Community’s Living Memory
The mural, spanning approximately 17 by 18 meters on the west wall of St George’s Town Hall, stands as a vivid pictorial document of East London’s diverse communities and their shared resilience. It reflects not only the historical moment but also the enduring spirit of solidarity that continues to inspire. Despite repeated attacks and vandalism over the years, protective measures and restorations have preserved the mural as a powerful symbol of anti-fascist resistance and community unity.Symbolism and Details Embedded in the Mural
Every element of the mural carries significance: glass bottles and marbles represent the improvised tactics used to thwart mounted police charges; banners display the logos of the Independent Labour Party and the Communist Party, highlighting the political diversity of the resistance; and the fisheye perspective intensifies the sense of confrontation. The mural also includes a police autogyro overhead, emphasizing the scale of the police presence, and captures the faces of real participants, connecting viewers directly to the human stories behind the event.The Mural’s Role in Contemporary East London
Today, the Cable Street Mural is more than a historic monument; it is a vibrant part of East London’s cultural landscape. It serves as a reminder of the power of community action against division and hatred. The mural’s location on Cable Street, a site of historic struggle, invites reflection on the ongoing relevance of anti-fascist values. It has become a focal point for commemorations, educational tours, and cultural events celebrating the East End’s rich history of activism and diversity.Legacy of Courage and Unity
The Battle of Cable Street and its mural legacy symbolize the triumph of solidarity over bigotry. The event galvanized political change and left an indelible mark on British social history. The mural’s continued preservation and prominence underscore the importance of remembering collective resistance and the enduring fight for justice and equality in urban communities.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
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Location Audience
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