The Fabian Society is a British socialist organisation whose purpose is to advance the principles of social democracy and democratic socialism via gradualist and reformist effort in democracies, rather than by revolutionary overthrow. The Fabian Society was also historically related to radicalism, a left-wing liberal tradition.
Blue plaque at 17 Osnaburgh St, where the Society was founded in 1884
The Fabian Society was named after "Fabius the Delayer" at the suggestion of Frank Podmore (above).
History of the socialist movement in the United Kingdom
Socialism in the United Kingdom is thought to stretch back to the 19th century from roots arising in the aftermath of the English Civil War. Notions of socialism in Great Britain have taken many different forms from the utopian philanthropism of Robert Owen through to the reformist electoral project enshrined in the birth of the Labour Party that was founded in 1900.
WWII badge for the "Birmingham Socialist ARP Canteen Fund"