Batley Irish Democratic League Club
Established in 1882 originally as The National Land League of Great Britain in Batley, the club met in small rented premises in Russell Street, Batley.
In 1886 with the support of the Liberal club members they held a meeting in Carlinghow Liberal Club. Mr H Parks of Leeds presided. Mr D Phillips of Batley made the motion of thanks to the Prime Minister, William E Gladstone for his support for Irish self-government. Leeds Mercury 10 May 1886
1903 saw the club move close to its present location as the founders took over an old paint warehouse or workshop and converted it into a suitable place for the members to meet.
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| Tom Hanley's Workshop site of club 1903 |
The photograph (courtesy of Andrew Murphy, secretary of the club) shows what is considered by current members to be the original building of the Batley Irish Democratic League Club. The Club knew that the original building was some kind of paint factory or workshop, in fact it is now known that it was Tom Hanley’s workshop, a local painter and decorator. He is shown as being a painter, at 17 Branch Road, Batley in 1927 Kelly’s Directory.
The club occupied these small premises for around 27 years until the club committee managed to obtain brewery loans which enabled them to demolish the building and construct a purpose built club.
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| Before the refit. |
As the membership has grown and the club has prospered additional extensions have been made to the building.
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| 2018 |
In 2018 membership is still growing with over 1800 members, both financial and honorary. The present day members can recall 3 to 4 generations of families who have been members of the club and this is a tradition that is treasured by both the committee and the membership.
The club is open every day and enjoys a good trade, it is well patronised by young as well as old. It is a private members club and because it is not incorporated it is not registered under the “Friendly Societies Act”. Its official title is “The John Dillon Branch of the Irish Democratic League” and is known locally as “The Nash.”
