Its members and supporters have been active through different political eras and radical movements
Located in a ‘hidden valley’ between Pendle Hill and Nelson, it is a unique building which has been used by generations over the past 110 years for political campaigns about work and pay, votes for women, democratic participation, access to the countryside and a host of other activities.
Committed political activists, suffragettes, trade unions, councillors, MPs and even striking miners from the 1984-85 national strike have visited it over the years, along with residents from surrounding villages, school children and tourists. The building still hosts a range of activities today, linked to socialist politics along with cycling, walking, gardening and other interests.
Today, it has a cafe and two Hardie and Pankurst rooms, named after key figures in Labour and Suffragette history. It also has Independent Labour Party displays and a reading room, The hall’s foundation stones feature the names of activists and campaigners including journalist and activist Katherine Bruce Glasier, trade union organiser Caroline Martyn, suffragist Enid Stacey, artist William Morris, journalist Edward F Fay and Selina Cooper.
In recent decades, the ILP has evolved into a think-tank, pressure group, educational trust and publisher called Independent Labour Publishing. Now, its activities include a website and work on northern political issues. Today, a separate organisation called the Hannah Mitchell Foundation promotes awareness of her life, along with being active in contemporary politics and research such as on northern regional devolution.
Elsewhere, Burnley first had a Clarion House at Swinden House School, Roggerham, and then Clough Coft Cottage and a pavilion. Carol said: “The Pendle and Nelson area has a great history and we would encourage people to use this place. Even though we only officially open on Sundays, people can come here through the week and sit in the garden, which is lovely.
Voluntary work helps keep running costs down. Income is modest, such as from drinks and snacks sales, so fund-raising work is important. The venue’s kitchen and veranda need upgrades. which will all need funds, John said. Inside, photos and paintings of volunteers, local families, political groups, cycling clubs and others are on display. Photos capture visits from former Labour MPs such as Eric Heffer and Samuel Sydney Silverman.
Also on display at Clarion House is a banner declaring ‘Workers Of The World, Unite’ and an Independent Labour Party stained glass window from Nelson’s Unity Hall on display. The People’s History Museum in Manchester has another Nelson ILP stained glass window on display.
Today, Clarion House has a flag in the colours of the 1930s Spanish republic with names of Clarion cyclists who fought with the International Brigade, an army of volunteers who tried to support the official Spanish government forces against Franco. The men named on the flag are Ray Cox, Thomas Dolan, Harold Laws, Tom Oldershaw and Roy Watts.Clarion House also has numerous links to outdoor activities and campaigns for wider access to the countryside.