LONDON CLARION CYCLE CLUB
History of the London Clarion Cycle Club
The Radical Origins (1895): The call to arms in The Clarion newspaper
The London Clarion Cycle Club was born directly from the pages of The Clarion, the influential socialist newspaper founded by Robert Blatchford. The movement began with a "call to arms" on May 11, 1895, when W.H. Crisp of Clapham issued an invitation to local socialist cyclists to band together. Responding to the newspaper’s motto, "Fellowship is Life," the club was swiftly formed to combine the propaganda of socialism with the pleasure of cycling.
Just two weeks later, on May 25, 1895, the club's inaugural ride departed from Sydenham Station to Farnborough. The movement exploded in popularity by the late 1890s, with North London branches establishing headquarters at the North London Socialist Club in Finsbury Park, while South London members became renowned for their "Bohemian Concerts" and annual picnics at Otford.
Equality on Wheels: The unique stance on female membership and the Pankhurst connection
Unlike many cycling organisations of the Victorian era, the Clarion Cycling Club was revolutionary in its inclusivity. From its foundation in 1895, the club extended full membership to women, championing equality on the road as well as in the voting booth.
This progressive stance attracted high-profile activists, most notably the Pankhurst family. Dr. Richard Pankhurst, his wife Emmeline, and their daughters (including Sylvia) joined the Clarion Cycling Club in 1896. Cycling became a family affair for the suffragettes; Sylvia Pankhurst, who later lived at the "Red Cottage" in Woodford Green, remained a lifelong connection to the club’s history. For the Clarionettes, the bicycle was more than a hobby it was a "freedom machine" that symbolised the struggle for women's rights.
The Great Split (1914-1918): The impact of WWI on the club's ideology
The outbreak of the First World War brought a profound ideological crisis to the Clarion movement, often referred to as "The Great Split." The club's founder, Robert Blatchford, used The Clarion to advocate for a staunchly patriotic, pro-war stance, urging socialists to support the military effort against Germany. This alienated many members who adhered to the pacifist and internationalist principles of the Independent Labour Party.
Despite these deep divisions, the London club managed to survive the turmoil. While many young members were called to the front, the club maintained a fragile existence at home. The Nazeing Clubhouse (active from 1913 to 1920) served as a vital sanctuary during these years, keeping the spirit of fellowship alive even as the wider movement fractured under the pressures of war.
The Interwar Years: The 1926 General Strike, the "Boots and Spurs" tradition, and the Nazeing Clubhouse
The years between the wars were defined by a strengthening of socialist resolve. During the 1926 General Strike, Clarion cyclists utilized their mobility to act as scouts and messengers for the striking workers, distributing newsheets and maintaining communications when mainstream press channels were shut down.
It was during this era that the club's unique culture solidified, including the "Boots and Spurs" tradition. When a Clarion cyclist called out "Boots!" to a passing rider, the correct reply was "Spurs!"—a secret handshake of sorts that identified a fellow socialist on the road. This title was also immortalized in the club's magazine, Boots and Spurs, which chronicled the era's tours, races, and political activities. The Nazeing Clubhouse remained a fond memory of this period, having served as a communal hub where members could sleep, eat, and debate politics away from the smog of the city.
Fighting Fascism (1930s): The story of Tom Oldershaw and the International Brigades
As fascism rose in Europe, the London Clarion shifted from domestic activism to international solidarity. The club’s anti-fascist ethos was personified by Tom Oldershaw, a dedicated member from Battersea.
In the late 1930s, Oldershaw volunteered for the International Brigades to defend the Spanish Republic against Franco’s forces. Tragically, he was killed in action in 1938 at the Battle of the Ebro, aged just 24. His sacrifice remains a cornerstone of the club's identity, representing the ultimate expression of the Clarion belief that cycling and political struggle are intertwined.
Post-War Racing & Revival: The 1948 Middlesex founding and the 1960 Tricycle Marathon
Following the Second World War, the club adapted to a new era of leisure and sport. On December 10, 1948, the Middlesex Clarion Cycling and Athletics Club was founded, becoming a powerhouse in the racing scene from the 1950s through the 1970s. Similarly, the Richmond & Twickenham Clarion (established in their shared clubroom at "The Three Kings" in 1946) kept the flame alive in West London.
The club's flair for political theater returned with the 1960 Tricycle Marathon. In a stunt captured on film by Pathé News, members of the Hounslow branch rode children's tricycles from London to Brighton. While humorous, the event had a serious purpose: raising funds and awareness for the World Refugee Year, proving that the Clarion spirit of "fellowship" still extended to the most vulnerable across the globe.
Middlesex Clarion Cycling and Athletics Club
Middlesex Clarion Cycling and Athletics Club was started on 10th December 1948 as a racing club and was very strong in the 1950s to 1970s. Their club badge shown is very distinctive.
Richmond and Twickenham Clarion Cycling Club
Sources & Further Reading
The history of the London Clarion is preserved through several key archives and publications:
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Vestry House Museum (Walthamstow): Houses the extensive archives of Walter Southgate, a key figure in the club's history and founder of the People's History Museum.
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Boots and Spurs Magazine: Digital archives of the club's historic journal (1930s–1940s) are available online for free.
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Pathé News Archive: Features original footage of the 1960 Tricycle Marathon (see video link below).
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The Clarion Newspaper: Early editions containing the original "call to arms" and Blatchford's editorials.
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Fellowship is Life: The National Clarion Cycling Club history book (by Denis Pye) which details the wider movement's story.
Our Sporting & Political Heroes
Charlie Denny
The London Clarion has always been home to individuals who rode for more than just a trophy.
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Olympic Excellence: In the 1908 London Olympics, club member Charlie Denny took home a Silver Medal, proving that socialist cyclists could compete and win on the world stage.
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Walter Southgate
Founder of the Peoples History Museum
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Born 8th May 1890 in Bethnal Green, East London.
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Joined the Social Democratic Federation (SDF) in 1905.
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In 1910 he founded a North East London (Hackney) Clarion Cycling Club. "One of the best periods of my life was the days I spent cycling through the Essex countryside".​
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Be Part of Our Next Chapter
From the racing strengths of the Middlesex Clarion in the 1950s to our modern-day social rides through the Surrey Hills, the London Clarion continues to grow.
History isn't just behind us—it's under our wheels. Whether you’re a historian, a competitive rider, or a casual Sunday cyclist, there is a place for you in our fellowship. Join Today!
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Do you have photos or stories of family members in the London Clarion? We'd love to archive them. Contact us
