In the late 1930s there was a wave of rent strikes by tenants of slum landlords against high rents and lack of repairs. Some strikes lasted for a few weeks with landlords agreeing to carry out repairs or lower rents. Others lasted for months as landlords would not compromise or negotiate.

At Langdale Mansions in Stepney a rent strike lasted for five months. Landlords issued eviction notices and the tenants erected barricades to keep bailiffs out. On 27 June 1939 the police accompanied bailiffs and broke down the barricades. Police hit out with truncheons at women who fought back with saucepans and rolling pins.

Word spread throughout Stepney and men left work to join the fight. The Stepney Tenants’ Defence League’s loudspeaker van toured the area alerting people to what was happening. By evening 10,000 people had gathered and marched to the Leman Street Police Station to protest against the police’s actions.

When a stone was thrown at the police station’s window the police responded with a baton charge. The day’s events led to questions being raised in parliament and widespread anger against slum landlords. Although several families had been evicted the landlords now agreed to the tenants’ demands, reducing rents, abolishing arrears and spending money immediately on repairs.

The original Langdale Mansions have been demolished and newer housing stands on the site.