Marx Memorial Library & Workers School, Clerkenwell Green
A historic hub of Marxist scholarship and working-class education housed in a beautifully restored 18th-century building in the heart of Clerkenwell Green.
Founded in 1933 as a permanent memorial to Karl Marx, the Marx Memorial Library & Workers School at 37A Clerkenwell Green is a Grade II listed building dedicated to preserving and promoting Marxist and working-class history. Housed in an 18th-century former Welsh Charity School, it hosts extensive archives, educational programs, and a rich legacy of radical political thought in London’s historic Clerkenwell district.
A brief summary to Marx Memorial Library & Workers School
- 37A Clerkenwell Grn, London, EC1R 0DU, GB
- +442072531485
- Visit website
- Duration: 1 to 3 hours
- Budget
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Indoor
- Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
- Monday 12 pm-1 pm
- Tuesday 11 am-4 pm
- Wednesday 11 am-4 pm
- Thursday 11 am-4 pm
Local tips
- Visit during weekday afternoons when the library is open for lectures and educational programs.
- Explore the extensive archives and rare collections to deepen your understanding of Marxism and labor history.
- Take time to appreciate the 1934 mural by Viscount Hastings in the reading room.
- Check the library’s event calendar for film festivals, exhibitions, and special lectures.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Information Boards
- Seating Areas
Getting There
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London Underground
Take the Central or Metropolitan line to Farringdon station, approximately a 10-15 minute walk to the library. Farringdon station is well connected and accessible, with frequent services throughout the day. No additional fare beyond standard London Underground pricing applies.
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Bus
Bus routes 55, 243, and 63 serve Clerkenwell Green, with stops within a 5-minute walk of the library. Buses run regularly during the day, with fares payable by contactless card or Oyster. Note that bus service frequency may reduce in the evenings and on weekends.
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Walking
From nearby central London areas such as Holborn or St. Paul’s, walking to the library takes about 20-30 minutes via mostly flat, paved urban streets. The route is accessible but can be busy during peak hours.
Marx Memorial Library & Workers School location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Rain / Wet Weather
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Clear Skies
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Mild Temperatures
Discover more about Marx Memorial Library & Workers School
A Radical Legacy Rooted in Clerkenwell
The Marx Memorial Library & Workers School was established in 1933 to honor the 50th anniversary of Karl Marx's death, conceived by a coalition of trade unionists and socialist groups as a living memorial in the form of a library and educational institution. Located at 37A Clerkenwell Green, the building itself dates back to 1738, originally constructed as a Welsh Charity School for impoverished Welsh artisans. Over time, the premises evolved from a school to workshops and meeting spaces for radical organizations, including the International Workingmen’s Association and the Twentieth Century Press, which published early English editions of Marx and Engels’ works. The library has since become a cornerstone for Marxist scholarship and working-class education in London.Architectural and Historical Significance
The building is Grade II listed, with its façade restored in the late 1960s to replicate the original 1738 Georgian style. Beneath the structure lie mysterious tunnels predating the building itself, discovered during renovations in the 1980s. The interior houses a large mural painted in 1934 by Viscount Hastings, depicting 'The Worker of the Future Clearing away the Chaos of Capitalism,' which reflects the library’s enduring commitment to labor history and socialist ideals. The library expanded over the decades to occupy the entire building, preserving a vast collection of books, pamphlets, posters, and archives related to Marxism, trade unionism, and socialist movements.Collections and Archives of Global Importance
The Marx Memorial Library holds around 50,000 books alongside unique archives such as the International Brigade Association archive, the Bernal Peace Library, the Klugmann Collection, and the archives of the print unions and socialist newspapers like the Daily Worker and Morning Star. It also features extensive materials on the Spanish Civil War, the British labor movement, and anti-fascist activism. These collections make it an invaluable resource for researchers, activists, and students worldwide, preserving the history of working-class struggles and socialist thought.Educational Mission and Community Engagement
Since its founding, the library has been dedicated to education, offering evening classes, lectures, and courses on political economy, labor history, and Marxist theory. It continues to serve as a hub for socialist education with a wide-ranging program including workshops, film festivals, and exhibitions. The library also supports trade union education and activism, hosting events and developing new course materials to engage contemporary audiences. Its role as a registered charity underlines its commitment to advancing knowledge and learning about the science of Marxism and the working-class movement.Clerkenwell Green: A Historic Radical Hub
Situated in Clerkenwell Green, an area with a rich history of political activism and working-class movements, the library is part of a broader landscape of radical heritage. Clerkenwell was a center for Chartist meetings, trade union rallies, and socialist organizing throughout the 19th and 20th centuries. The neighborhood’s evolution from an 18th-century artisan district to a fashionable quarter mirrors the library’s own story of resilience and renewal. The presence of the Marx Memorial Library reinforces Clerkenwell’s identity as a historic site of political and social change.A Living Institution for the Future
Today, the Marx Memorial Library remains a vibrant institution, blending its historic collections with modern educational initiatives including online courses and digital archives. It continues to attract scholars, activists, and visitors interested in Marxism, labor history, and social justice. The library’s ongoing mission is to preserve the past while providing practical education for the future, maintaining its unique role as the intellectual home of generations committed to working-class empowerment and socialist ideals.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Sir William Wallace Memorial
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Holborn Viaduct
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Trip Turkey
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3 Gunpowder Square
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London City wall
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St Giles Cripplegate
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St Anne & St Agnes Church
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Fleet St
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Ludgate Circus
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St Bride's Church, Fleet Street
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Hare Pl
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Temple Bar London
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Prince Henry's Room
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Unmissable attractions to see
The Crown Tavern
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Well Court
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Museum of the Order of Saint John
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St John's Gate
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St. Peter's Italian Catholic Church
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The Chocolate Cocktail Club
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Hatton Garden
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Discover Hatton Garden, London’s historic jewellery quarter where royal gardens gave way to a world-renowned hub of craftsmanship, commerce, and captivating stories.
Islington Museum
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Explore Islington’s rich local history and vibrant community stories in this engaging, accessible museum beneath Finsbury Library.
Exmouth Market
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Discover Exmouth Market, London’s vibrant street of diverse cuisines, historic charm, and lively cultural spirit in the heart of Clerkenwell.
Bleeding Heart Yard
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The Charterhouse
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St. Etheldreda's RC Church, Farringdon
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Smithfield Market
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40 Charterhouse Square
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Essential places to dine
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St. John
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Madison
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Ikoyi Restaurant
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Sarastro
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Margot
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Hoa Sen Vietnamese Street Food Restaurant
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Cicchetti by San Carlo - London Covent Garden
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Balthazar
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Inamo Covent Garden
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Sea Containers Restaurant
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Circus
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The Parcel Yard, King's Cross
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Paradiso Burger & Cocktail Bar Southbank
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Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
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Pop Up Luxury Shop
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Barbican Shop
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not just a shop
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Twinings - The Strand
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The Brunswick Centre
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Camden Passage, Islington
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The Store X
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The Cocktail Club - Cocktail Bar near Old Street
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Be At One - Russell Street
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For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Cultural Heritage
- Educational
- Historic
- Tranquil
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Vintage Styles
- Rustic Designs
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Architectural Shots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Public-Transport Accessible
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Day Trip
- Weekend Getaway
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Wheelchair Access
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Female Friendly
- Vegetarian Friendly
- Vegan Friendly
