Tom Barclay: 1852 - 1933

Born on Burleys Lane, Leicester, the son of Irish immigrants, Tom Barclay was a remarkable man.

Brought up in grinding poverty, he went to work at the age of eight at Browetts Rope-walk. In the 1880's, he was a pioneer of the early Labour movement, influencing many who susequently played a prominent role in civic life.

He founded a newspaper (the Leicester Pioneer) and lectured on street corners against poverty and injustice.

http://libcom.org/history/tom-barclay-1852-1933