The Nuclear Disarmament Campaign

My Policeman

This flow traces Marion Taylor’s small but consequential movement from private uncertainty toward political participation alongside Julia Harcourt.

increasing

Bearing strength in each event

decreasing

An Invitation An Invitation from "My Policeman". An Invitation A new possibility Julia Harcourt invites Marion Taylor to a meeting of the Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament after they discuss work, politics…

An Invitation from "My Policeman". An Invitation A new possibility Julia Harcourt invites Marion Taylor to a meeting of the Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament after they discuss work, politics…

An Invitation A new possibility Julia Harcourt invites Marion Taylor to a meeting of the Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament after they discuss work, politics, and the threat of nuclear testing. The first choice Marion recognises that attending would mean stepping outside the passive role expected of a policeman’s wife.

The Meeting Room The Meeting Room from "My Policeman". The Meeting Room A public argument At Friends’ Meeting House, Marion Taylor hears a speaker argue that ordinary people can help stop nuclear weapons through…

The Meeting Room from "My Policeman". The Meeting Room A public argument At Friends’ Meeting House, Marion Taylor hears a speaker argue that ordinary people can help stop nuclear weapons through…

The Meeting Room A public argument At Friends’ Meeting House, Marion Taylor hears a speaker argue that ordinary people can help stop nuclear weapons through collective action. Belonging begins The meeting makes political commitment feel possible, and Marion privately imagines that Patrick Hazlewood would be proud of her for taking a stand.

Leaflets and Secrecy Leaflets and Secrecy from "My Policeman". Leaflets and Secrecy A modest commitment Marion takes campaign leaflets and begins to see activism as a practical way to participate in public life.

Leaflets and Secrecy from "My Policeman". Leaflets and Secrecy A modest commitment Marion takes campaign leaflets and begins to see activism as a practical way to participate in public life.

Leaflets and Secrecy A modest commitment Marion takes campaign leaflets and begins to see activism as a practical way to participate in public life. Private independence She keeps the choice from Tom Burgess, recognising that her political activity belongs to her even when her marriage does not encourage it.

The March Remembered The March Remembered from "My Policeman". The March Remembered Collective action Julia Harcourt describes marching from London toward Aldermaston with a varied coalition opposing nuclear weapons.

The March Remembered from "My Policeman". The March Remembered Collective action Julia Harcourt describes marching from London toward Aldermaston with a varied coalition opposing nuclear weapons.

The March Remembered Collective action Julia Harcourt describes marching from London toward Aldermaston with a varied coalition opposing nuclear weapons. A persuasive example Her memory of shared purpose gives Marion Taylor a picture of solidarity and action different from the isolated secrecy of her marriage.

A Lasting Political Self A Lasting Political Self from "My Policeman". A Lasting Political Self Commitment develops Marion Taylor later starts a school CND group and studies feminism and literature, extending the early invitation…

A Lasting Political Self from "My Policeman". A Lasting Political Self Commitment develops Marion Taylor later starts a school CND group and studies feminism and literature, extending the early invitation…

A Lasting Political Self Commitment develops Marion Taylor later starts a school CND group and studies feminism and literature, extending the early invitation into durable intellectual and civic interests. Independence with limits Her growth does not erase the lost friendship with Julia Harcourt, but it shows how a private conversation can redirect a life.

Spring 1958

A Saturday in July 1958

After the July 1958 meeting

Easter 1958, in Julia Harcourt’s recollection

During Marion Taylor’s later career