Bexley Square’s Protest Legacy | Manchester News

Bexley Square in Salford, once the epicenter of a 1931 protest against unemployment benefit cuts that drew ten thousand trade unionists, is now vying for protected heritage status. What began as a peaceful march turned violent when police charged into the crowd, sparking injuries and a defining moment in labor history. The protest inspired literary giants like Walter Greenwood and folk legend Ewan MacColl—then Jimmy Miller—who immortalized the city in songs like “Dirty Old Town.” With heritage status, future developments must honor this legacy, joining a broader list of Salford’s historic sites, including pubs and churches. The council seeks public input until September 14th—because history, from protest to poetry, deserves to be remembered. Listen in comfort:Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN:[email protected] This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.Report issues to [email protected]. View sources & latest updates:https://sources.thednn.ai/3fa25019dfcfe0ce