1956 Memorial Plaque Unveiling - Barnsley

23rd October 2024

1956 Memorial Plaque Unveiling and Commemoration On the 68th anniversary of the 1956 Hungarian Revolution, a memorial plaque was unveiled in Barnsley, a mining town in South Yorkshire, in honour of the approximately 200 Hungarian refugees who sought refuge there after fleeing the brutal Soviet suppression of the Hungarian uprising.

The plaque commemorates the contribution of these refugees to the local community. The event was initiated by Dr. Zsigmond András, Barón Lemhényi, Deputy Chief Captain of the Vitézi Rend and former Honorary Consul, and was organised by the Barnsley Civil Society Association.

The ceremony was attended by László Riskó-Nagy, Consul General of Hungary in Manchester, Cllr John Clarke JP, Mayor of Barnsley, and representatives of the 1st Hungarian Hussar Regiment of England, Attila Babenyecz and Gábor Oláh.

The event took place at the impressive headquarters of the National Union of Mineworkers. Guests were able to view the exhibition entitled "Remembering 1956 Around the World", which consisted of 56 panels, in the foyer of the building.

Several years ago, Dr. Zsigmond András contacted Barnsley city officials via email to suggest that a memorial be established for the Hungarian miners. In his speech, a representative of the local archives and historical society highlighted the difficulty of the task but also expressed gratitude, as it enriched Barnsley’s history with another fascinating chapter.

The Mayor of Barnsley paid tribute to the Hungarian miners, and the Consul General of Hungary in Manchester reflected on the events of 1956.

Finally, Dr. Zsigmond András, the initiator of the event, shared his personal, adventurous experiences and thanked the town and its people for helping him and the 200 fellow refugees, most of whom later integrated into British society as miners. Following the speeches, the memorial plaque was unveiled near the entrance of the building, commemorating the invaluable contribution of Hungarian refugees to the local mining industry and British society.

Among the attendees, it was especially heartwarming to see two elderly gentlemen who had been part of the 1956 revolution, despite their advanced age, they had come to the ceremony. The event concluded with a group photograph and a time for guests to chat and reminisce.