Gagarin in the UK
In July 1961 the spaceman returned to his roots and met with British workers
After his historic flight, governments around the world invited Gagarin to visit – but not the UK. The cabinet of the day feared upsetting their US allies, so instead it was the trade unions who took it upon themselves to invite the Soviet hero to visit from 11 to 15 July 1961. Knowing Gagarin was a former foundryman, the Amalgamated Union of Foundry Workers took him on a tour of an engineering plant in Manchester.
During his car ride from the airport, Gagarin was greeted by packed crowds, braving the rain to see him. He quickly ordered the roof of his convertible be put down, telling the driver, “If these people can stand in the rain, so can I.” Though he ended up soaked through, Gagarin never stopped smiling as he waved at the people. Months later, Gagarin would fondly recall that “the firm handshakes of my fellow workers meant more to me than many awards.”
While at the plant itself, Gagarin told off a reporter who had stood on an unfinished casting to prevent it being spoiled. “I was a foundry worker,” he said. “Although I am doing a different job now, I am still a foundry worker at heart.”
Afterwards, Gagarin gave a speech at Manchester Town Hall. He drove home the point that while he was the one to fly to space, it took tens of thousands of people to get him there, and called for the East and West to work together towards a joint endeavour in space, stating, “There is plenty of room for all in outer space.”