Speaker: Maurice East

“Down in the Dumps” – How Oxford Helped Win World War Two in various shapes and ways!

William Morris and Morris Motors at Cowley

Mauri will cover the development of the Cowley works through the story of William Morris and his creation of a major manufacturing business from early beginnings. [ A story also told here : Morris Metropolis ] . With the advent of World War One, William Morris’ enterprise engaged in war work. This included the making of mine sinkers for the Royal Navy in large quantities.

After the First World War, in the 1920s there was a major expansion. This included, in 1926, the building of the Pressed Steel factory, which created a huge demand for labour. Men came from all over the UK and especially from South Wales, building the centre of gravity of the population of Oxford eastwards around the villages of Barton, Headington and Iffley, amongst others.

This talk is a fundraiser for Against Breast Cancer, and while the tickets are free a minimum donation of £6 will be collected in cash on the door at the time of entry Pls note there is now online payment for this event

Tickets will include a glass of wine or Cordial

Description supplied by the event organiser.