Rosalind’s illustrated talk explores the political life of progressive, middle-class Hampstead between 1936-38, as experienced by a young, left-wing couple moving from Walthamstow into living quarters above West Hampstead fire station.

Many of Hampstead’s artists, writers and thinkers actively opposed local and international fascism.  It was the period of the Popular Front when members of the Labour, Liberal and Communist Parties joined forces to support the Republican side during the Spanish Civil War; and when Jewish refugees fled from persecution in continental Europe, Hampstead’s progressives helped them settle locally.   

Rosalind is writing a biography of her father John Horner, Firemen’s Trades Union leader and politician (1911-1997), and her mother, Pat.  During their two years in Hampstead, her working-class parents’ interaction with its residents broadened their horizons and made them comfortable to associate with fellow socialists from an educated middle class.

This talk will be via Zoom (CHS members will be advised of the link by our email invitation).