The Battle of Orgreave

In 1984, a lull followed the departure of the full coke lorries from the plant. During this time Arthur Scargill walked along the police line to the cheers of his supporters and rather less charitable comments from the hot, tired police (who had now been without water for hours due to a logistical failure). Actor Simon Kirk, accompanied by ex-NUM miners acting as advisors, replayed this famous moment at the re-enactment.

Curiously, all mention of Scargill's role in the June 18 confrontation and his famous walk along the police line was omitted from Mike Figgis' film The Battle of Orgreave.

Photo © Dick Clark.

Back to Orgreave picture gallery or account of the 1984 battle.

For more information about the battle and re-enactment, follow the links to:

Re-enacting the Battle of Orgreave    Account of the 1984 battle

Battle of Orgreave film review    Magazine article about the re-enactment  

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Page updated 7 April 2004