The Burston School Strike

In the quiet Norfolk village of Burston, a modest council school becomes the centre of a fierce stand for dignity and fairness. When Mrs. A. K. Higdon and her husband arrive as teachers, their dedication quickly wins the affection of pupils and parents alike, earning praise from the official inspector. Yet the local rector, accustomed to unquestioned authority, moves to dismiss the beloved staff, sparking a dispute that swiftly spreads through the whole community.

The booklet captures how ordinary villagers—particularly the women who organised petitions, fines and public meetings—refused to bow to the “glebe lord’s” demands. Their collective defiance shines a light on early twentieth‑century labor struggles, showing how a small school could become a rallying point for broader questions of justice, faith and the right to educate freely. Listeners will hear a vivid portrait of courage, solidarity and the enduring power of ordinary people to challenge oppression.