Fabian Society

History of the Fabian Society

The Fabian Society was founded in 1884 as a socialist society committed to gradual social reform. It is named after Quintus Fabius, a Roman General known for delaying battle until the right moment. Early members of the Fabian Society included George Bernard Shaw, Emmeline Pankhurst and H G Wells.

The Society is characterised by a passionate commitment to social justice and a belief in the progressive improvement of society. It aims to spark debate rather than promote a particular political stance and as a result holds a diversity of opinion. Its' publications represent the views of their authors rather than the views of the Fabian Society as a whole.

In 1990 the Fabian Society joined with the trade unions to create the Labour party and has been linked to the party ever since.