Fenner Brockway
1 Nov 1888–28 Apr 1988
Commemorated in Red Lion Square, Fenner Brockway stood with conviction as a pacifist, anti-imperialist, and founder of War on Want, fighting poverty, and the CND, opposing nuclear weapons.
A British politician, humanitarian, and committed pacifist, he became widely respected for his integrity and dedication to social justice. His presence on the square adds to its history of intellectual and political energy.
Commemorated in Red Lion Square, Fenner Brockway stood with conviction as a pacifist, anti-imperialist, and founder of War on Want, fighting poverty, and the CND, opposing nuclear weapons.
A British politician, humanitarian, and committed pacifist, he became widely respected for his integrity and dedication to social justice. His presence on the square adds to its history of intellectual and political energy.
A respected politician
Brockway championed racial justice, anti-colonial movements, and human rights, earning respect across the political spectrum.
A conscientious objector
A conscientious objector in the First World War, Fenner chose imprisonment over abandoning his pacifist beliefs.
Champion of disarmament
In 1957, Brockway co-founded the Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament (CND) and in 1979, the World Disarmament Campaign.
Founder of War on Want.
Brockway was one of the four founding members of the charity War on Want, which fights global poverty
Timeline
Key dates in Fenner Brockway’s life, spanning his political and humaniterian efforts
1888
Born in Calcutta
1907
Enters his political career
1914
Co-founds the No-Conscription Fellowship opposing compulsory military service.
1916–19
Imprisoned for his conscientious objection during World War I.
1929–31
Serves as MP for Leyton East.
1931-33
Serves as Party Chairman
1933-39
Serves as Party General Secretary
1950
Elected MP for Eton and Slough.
1964
Becomes Baron Brockway
1985
A statue of him is unveiled in Red Lion Square
1988
Dies in Watford, Hertfordshire
