Speaker’s Corner

In modern London with its vast growing web of cctv cameras on almost every major street and expanding police powers, anyone spontaneously gathering a crowd to lecture them about what whatever’s exercising your mind that day will pretty soon be brought to a halt by law enforcement, offered the chance to donate some DNA and probably quizzed about any terrorist connections.

One place where those with the desire to address the masses can still do so almost unhindered is the famous Speaker’s Corner on the northeast side of London’s Hyde Park where Park Lane meets Cumberland Gate.

Every Sunday wannabe speakers and those who come to listen gather on the paved area in that corner of the park and the debates or lecturing begins. They’ll be multiple people having there say at any one time, each spaced out where they think they’ll draw a crowd, the subjects they’re talking about could be anything from firebrand religion (plenty of diehard muslims and Christians), to the government of the day or predictions of the world ending tomorrow. And its not all one way traffic, feel free to heckle or argue a point if you like, just don’t get too abusive or aggressive, I think most people realise its part pantomime and outrageous views are expected at Speaker’s Corner and shouldn’t be taken that seriously.

The 1872 Royal Parks and Gardens Act made it legal to assemble and address a crowd at Speaker’s Corner and down the years famous names including Karl Marx, Lenin and George Orwell have taken the oppurtunity to do so. If you want to follow in their footsteps just bring along a milk crate or step of small steps to stand on so you’re visible to the crowds and away you go. Needless to say the more eccentric or outlandish your views the bigger audience you’re likely to draw.

Marble Arch on the Central Line is the nearest Tube station but there are quite a few others within walking distance as are many parts of the West End. Map

By Chris | Permalink

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