Bernard "Benny" Rothman: A Life of Activism and the Fight for Access

Born on June 1, 1911, in Cheetham Hill, Manchester, Bernard "Benny" Rothman emerged from humble beginnings to become a pivotal figure in British political activism and the outdoor access movement. His family, Jewish immigrants from Romania, faced significant financial hardship, which meant that despite winning a scholarship, Benny had to forgo the full benefits of higher education to begin work at the earliest opportunity, a common plight for working-class individuals during that era.

As a young errand boy in the burgeoning motor trade, Rothman's thirst for knowledge was undiminished. He diligently studied geography and economics in his precious spare time, driven by a keen intellectual curiosity. It was during these formative years that his Aunt Ettie played a crucial role, introducing him to influential literary works such as Robert Tressell's The Ragged Trousered Philanthropists, a powerful indictment of social injustice and poverty, and the works of American muckraking journalist Upton Sinclair, known for his exposés of industrial and political corruption. These readings profoundly shaped Rothman's worldview, fostering an increasingly strong commitment to the causes of socialism and communism, ideologies that promised greater equality and workers' rights.

Political Awakening and the Lure of the Outdoors

Rothman's burgeoning political convictions soon led to direct action. He lost his job after encountering legal trouble while selling copies of the Daily Worker, a newspaper closely associated with the Communist Party of Great Britain. During a period of unemployment, a common struggle in the inter-war years, Rothman ingeniously pieced together a bicycle from salvaged parts. This salvaged bike became his gateway to the natural world, allowing him to explore the breathtaking wilderness regions of the nearby Peak District and North Wales. This personal discovery of the outdoors, combined with his fervent political activism, laid the groundwork for his most famous contribution to British social history: the Mass Trespass of Kinder Scout.

The Landmark Kinder Scout Mass Trespass

The Kinder Scout Mass Trespass, which took place on April 24, 1932, was a meticulously organised act of civil disobedience that became a watershed moment in the fight for public access to open land in Britain. It was orchestrated by Benny Rothman, then serving as the secretary of the British Workers' Sports Federation, and primarily involved members of the Young Communist League, the youth branch of the Communist Party of Great Britain (CPGB). The objective was clear: to challenge the prevailing laws that denied ordinary walkers access to vast tracts of the British countryside, particularly the privately owned grouse moors of the Peak District, which were often reserved exclusively for the privileged few.

The trespass itself involved hundreds of young activists marching onto Kinder Scout, the highest point in the Peak District, in a deliberate defiance of the "no public access" signs. The confrontation with gamekeepers, though brief, garnered significant public attention. For his leading role in this audacious enterprise, Rothman and several other participants were arrested and subsequently imprisoned. This spell in prison, along with the stigma of his political activities, further complicated his employment prospects, reflecting the harsh realities faced by activists challenging the status quo.

Continued Activism and Lasting Legacy

Undeterred by his incarceration, Rothman's commitment to social justice remained unwavering. In 1934, he secured employment at Avro, an aircraft manufacturer in Newton Heath, and swiftly became an officer of the Amalgamated Engineering Union (AEU), a powerful trade union advocating for workers' rights. It was at Avro that he met and married Lily Crabtree, a fellow communist who shared his ideals. However, his prominent political views once again led to his dismissal from employment. Despite these setbacks, Rothman remained a dynamic force, actively collaborating with Jewish groups in Manchester to vehemently oppose the aggressive campaigns of Oswald Mosley's British Union of Fascists, a critical undertaking during a period of rising global fascism.

By 1936, Rothman found work at Metropolitan-Vickers in Trafford Park, where he once again quickly rose to become an AEU official, demonstrating his innate leadership qualities and dedication to trade unionism. Throughout his life, until his passing from a stroke on January 23, 2002, Benny Rothman remained tirelessly active in a wide array of political and conservation movement campaigns and organisations. His son, Professor Harry Rothman, continues to carry forward a legacy of intellectual inquiry and social engagement. Benny Rothman's life stands as a testament to the power of individual conviction and collective action, fundamentally contributing to the establishment of the 'right to roam' and the creation of Britain's National Parks, ensuring that the beauty of the countryside is accessible to all.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Who was Bernard "Benny" Rothman?

Bernard "Benny" Rothman (1911-2002) was a prominent British political activist, trade unionist, and a key figure in the campaign for public access to the countryside. He is most renowned for his leading role in the 1932 Mass Trespass of Kinder Scout.

What was the Kinder Scout Mass Trespass?

The Kinder Scout Mass Trespass was an organised act of civil disobedience that took place on April 24, 1932, in the Peak District, Derbyshire, England. Led by Benny Rothman, it involved hundreds of walkers challenging private landowners' restrictions on access to open country, particularly grouse moors. The aim was to highlight the injustice of denying walkers the right to roam.

Why was Benny Rothman involved in the trespass?

Rothman was deeply committed to socialist and communist ideals, advocating for social equality and workers' rights. His personal discovery of the Peak District's wild beauty, combined with his political activism, led him to champion the cause of public access to land, which he saw as a fundamental right denied to the working class.

What was the immediate outcome of the trespass for Rothman?

Following his leadership in the trespass, Benny Rothman and several other participants were arrested, charged, and subsequently imprisoned. This legal trouble and his political affiliations also led to further difficulties in securing and maintaining employment.

What was the broader impact or legacy of the Kinder Scout Mass Trespass?

The Kinder Scout Mass Trespass is considered a pivotal event in the history of the "right to roam" movement in Britain. It garnered significant public attention and support, contributing to a shift in public opinion and policy that eventually led to greater access to open land, the establishment of National Parks, and the formalisation of public rights of way.

What were some of Benny Rothman's other significant activities?

Beyond the trespass, Rothman was a dedicated trade unionist, serving as an official for the Amalgamated Engineering Union (AEU) at various employers like Avro and Metropolitan-Vickers. He was also actively involved in anti-fascist campaigns in Manchester, opposing Oswald Mosley's British Union of Fascists during the 1930s, and continued his political and conservation work throughout his life.