William Cuffay – 70th Anniversary at Kennington Park

Celebrating Kennington Park’s historic past

In the spring of 1848, as revolution and unrest consumed Europe, Kennington was at the centre of the fight for social justice in Britain. Tens of thousands of people gathered on Kennington Common on the 10th of April, demanding the right to vote.

Chartist meeting on Kennington Common in 1848 – photo by William Edward Kilburn (1818 - 1891)

The Chartist movement was a popular campaign that saw working people come together behind the Charter’s six demands for democratic reform, at a time when only those with land and property were allowed to vote.

The story of the Chartists’ fight for justice included dedicated women’s groups, and inspirational figures such as Anne Knight, who produced what is thought to be the earliest leaflet on women’s suffrage, and the radical William Cuffay, son of an emancipated slave.

Fast forward to 2018 — when Brexit, Trump, #Metoo and Black Lives Matter are in the news, amid fears of a breakdown in democratic values — and it’s time to ask – What is the legacy of #Kennington 1848 today?

Join us in Kennington Park to mark the 170th anniversary, and to launch a series of walks, talks, workshops and events for all the community, to celebrate our local park’s dramatic place in the history of protest and democracy.

Commemoration and Project Launch: Tuesday April 10th  2018, Kennington Park

A flag bearer will walk from each of the four meeting points of the Chartists in 1848, representing the four divisions of London Chartists:

Join us in Kennington Park at 10.45 to welcome the arrival of the four flag bearers. Followed by walks at 11.30am and 2.30pm

Kennington Chartist Project, kenningtonchartistproject.org