BOOTS! The Historic Magazine of the London Clarion Cycling Club

Step back in time with BOOTS!, the official publication of the National Clarion Cycling Club’s London and Southern Counties Union. Within the London Clarion Cycle Club Archive, we are incredibly fortunate to preserve original editions of this rare magazine, spanning the transformative years of the 1930s and 1940s.

More than just a club newsletter, Boots serves as a vital historical primary source. It offers a fascinating window into a bygone era, capturing the intersection of social activism, the burgeoning British cycling culture, and the looming shadow of the Second World War.

A Window into Cycling History: 1938–1941

Our archive currently houses seven unique editions of Boots, dating from October 1938 to January 1941. Reading through these pages reveals the resilience of the Clarion movement during some of the most challenging years in modern history.

From reports on weekend "runs" to the countryside to discussions on the political climate of the time, the magazine highlights the unique challenges of maintaining a cycling community amidst the global turmoil of the early 20th century. You will find:

• Pre-War Optimism: Articles from 1938 and early 1939 that focus on fellowship, regional meet-ups, and the joy of the open road.

• Wartime Resilience: Editions from 1940 and 1941 that detail how members stayed connected despite the Blitz, rationing, and the call to service.

• The "Fellowship is Life" Ethos: Evidence of the club's enduring commitment to social justice and mutual aid during times of crisis.

Help Us Grow the Archive

Preserving our heritage is a collective effort. We are always looking to expand our digital and physical archives to ensure the Clarion story is told for generations to come.

Do you have an old copy of Boots? We currently possess seven editions, but we know there are more out there. If you have seen other editions in private collections, at antique fairs, or in family attics, please Contact Us. We would love to digitize any missing copies to share with our members and historians worldwide.

Explore the Digital Editions

Click on the covers below to explore each archived edition of Boots Magazine. Immerse yourself in the stories, advertisements, and photographs that defined the London and Southern Counties Union over eighty years ago.

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