London’s Freedom Bookshop was ‘seriously damaged’ by the fire (along with the building’s wiring), despite metal shutters that were fitted after attacks by fascists in 1993.
A wide range of organisations and individuals have offered support for (and donated books to) the anarchist bookshop, which was not insured.
Anarchist workers’ co-op Sabcat have produced a special 100% organic cotton Freedom Benefit T-shirt, featuring the 1970s masthead from Freedom, with all profits going to Freedom Bookshop; Iron Column Records issued a benefit CD; Scottish hiphop artist Skribbo released a 21-track benefit album to download; benefits gigs were held in Bristol, Cardiff, London and Newcastle; a gourmet vegetarian benefit dinner was held at the 1in12 Club in Bradford; and the Now or Never! Drinking Club was planning to hold a sponsored 40-mile cycle ride from Norwich to Reedham and back as PN went to press.