On 13 August 1977, a planned march by the white nationalist National Front (NF) through Lewisham, south-east London, was met by a large counter-demonstration, resulting in violent street clashes.

The event, which became known as the ‘Battle of Lewisham’, is regarded as a turning point in the fight against organised racism and fascism in Britain.

In the mid-1970s, a time of high unemployment and with anti-immigration sentiment on the rise, the NF, led by John Tyndall, was attempting to gain political traction by targeting areas with large black and Asian communities.

Earlier in 1977, the NF had stood 91 candidates in the Greater London Council (GLC) election, gaining 119,000 votes (5.3%). The fascist force finished fourth, only behind the main Conservative, Labour and Liberal parties.

In response, a broad coalition of opponents mobilised under the umbrella of the All Lewisham Campaign Against Racism and Fascism (ALCARAF), including local trade unions, Labour Party branches, socialist groups, religious organisations, and members of the local community.

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The NF’s plan to march from New Cross to Lewisham town centre was seen as a deliberate act of intimidation.

Despite calls for the march to be banned, an estimated 5,000 police officers were deployed, ostensibly to facilitate the NF’s march. The officers were armed with batons and riot shields, which were being used for the first time on the British mainland.

As the around 500 NF marchers attempted to proceed under heavy police escort, they were met by around 4,000 counter-protesters.

Battles ensued between protesters and police at several points along the intended route. The Clifton Rise area and near Lewisham town centre were the scenes of significant flashpoints. The NF marchers, prevented from reaching their intended destination, dispersed or were escorted away by police.

The day resulted in 111 injuries, including 56 police officers, and 214 arrests.

The counter-demonstrators were condemned by authorities for the outbreak of violence. David McNee, commissioner of the Metropolitan Police, blamed the disturbances on an “orchestrated and violent attempt by extremists” to prevent the NF march.

The Battle of Lewisham is today celebrated by activists and anti-fascists. The event is credited with significantly damaging the NF’s public image and momentum, contributing to its subsequent decline.

At the 1979 general election, the NF stood 303 candidates and won 0.6% of the vote.

In 1982, Tyndall left the National Front to form the British National Party (BNP).

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The Battle of Lewisham galvanised anti-racist and anti-fascist movements in the UK, precipitating the formation of the Anti-Nazi League (ANL) later that year.

In 2017, on the 40th anniversary of the Battle of Lewisham, a maroon plaque was unveiled on the corner of New Cross Road and Clifton Rise. It reads: “Remembering The Battle of Lewisham / Thousands united here against racism and fascism”.