Remember Will Thorne’s name because this blue plaque marks his former home. This plaque commemorates a remarkable man. Let me tell you about Will Thorne.
Will Thorne was born into poverty in Birmingham in 1857. At six years old, he began working twelve-hour days. His father died when Will was just seven. Thorne’s early experiences with poverty and labor shaped his future.
In 1882, Will Thorne moved to London. He found work at a gasworks and joined the Social Democratic Federation. Though barely literate, Thorne learned to read with help from Eleanor Marx. She was the daughter of Karl Marx.
Thorne helped found the National Union of Gas Workers and General Labourers in 1889. This union became one of the prominent New Unions. He served as its general secretary until 1934. Thorne also helped organize the London Dock Strike in 1889.
Thorne entered politics. He served on the West Ham Borough Council for many years. He was even the Mayor of West Ham from 1917 to 1918.
In 1906, Thorne was elected as the Labour MP for West Ham South. Later, in 1918, he won the seat of Plaistow. He got a record 94.9% of the vote. He remained an MP until he retired in 1945 at the age of 87. He was the oldest sitting member at the time.
Will Thorne’s personal life had its complexities. He married four times and had multiple children. His son William died in action during World War I.
Thorne received the honor of Commander of the Order of the British Empire in 1930. In 1945, he became a Privy Councillor.
This blue plaque was unveiled in 1987. It marks Thorne’s home at 1 Lawrence Road. The Will Thorne Pavilion in Beckton Park also honors him. The GMB’s regional office in Halesowen is named Will Thorne House. The GMB’s Thorne Credit Union also carries his name.
Will Thorne died in 1946. He left behind a legacy of fighting for workers’ rights. He dedicated himself to public service. The blue plaque serves as a reminder of his contributions to West Ham and the labor movement. It stands as a testament to a life dedicated to fighting for social justice and the rights of the working class.