Anarchists and Outsiders invites you to see Hampstead differently — not simply as a place of literary charm and expensive houses, but as a landscape shaped by rebels, migrants, visionaries, and outsiders.
We begin outside Hampstead Heath Overground Station and trace unexpected connections between literature, public space, crime, radical politics, and espionage. Along the way, we encounter George Orwell and the world behind Keep the Aspidistra Flying; the strange social history of South End Green’s public toilets; the tragic story of Ruth Ellis at The Magdala Tavern; and the extraordinary life of Claudia Jones — anti-colonial activist, communist, and founder of the Notting Hill Carnival.
As we move through Hampstead’s hidden corners, we uncover the buried history of the Fleet River, stories of local community activism, and the unexpected political landscapes hidden beneath everyday streets. The walk culminates at the Isokon Building, where the worlds of Agatha Christie, modernist architecture, and Cold War espionage collide in the remarkable story of Agent Sonya and the atomic bomb.
Expect stories that are political, funny, unsettling, moving, and occasionally surreal. Expect hidden links between modernism, queer history, anti-fascism, community activism, Cold War espionage, and London’s changing social landscape. Beneath many of these stories lie questions of exclusion, punishment, secrecy, and belonging.
The walk is led by Can Yildiz, an urban geographer, accredited Camden tour guide, and long-time Camden resident since the 1980s.
This event is organised to support Torriano Meeting House, which since the 1980s has been home to migrants, peace activists, Stonehenge campaigners, community groups, grassroots politics, poets, artists, philosophers, scientists, and storytellers.
We will meet at 1.45pm for a 2pm start. Toilets and drinks available at starting place. Bring water and a hat. If you are late, ring Emily 07519917915 to catch up with the walking party.
If a heatwave of over 28c is forecast for the day of the event we will contact you the day before by phone and email and postpone until the following week or offer you a place on a later walk.
£15 or £10 Booking essential. Tickets here
