The Red Flag of Anarchy

The 19th century was an incredible time in Sheffield. Notable socialists and anarchists like Edward Carpenter, John Sketchley, Sir Raymond Unwin, Dr John Creaghe and David Nicoll, moved to Sheffield and augmented the already blossoming socialist movement. Four different colonies were attempted during the period, the Totley Colony, Moorhay, St. George’s Farm and the Norton Community Colony and all sought new ways of living and working. They also set up two of the most interesting groups in the country, the Sheffield Socialist Society and the Sheffield Anarchist Group. These and other Sheffield groups published papers, had cafés, clubs and bookshops, and spent their time speaking to the masses at outdoor meetings. This then is their story.