About this Event
The city is populated by statues to Victorian grandees commemorating their heroic acts, but what about the often untold stories of everyday Londoners and their acts of fatal bravery?
In the heart of the old city, in Postman’s Park lies the Watts Memorial to Heroic Self-Sacrifice, conceived by artist George Frederic Watts in 1887 as a tribute to ordinary individuals who died saving others. Among the 54 commemorated, nine are women—a strikingly high proportion for the time. Historian Dr John Price will briefly outline the history of the memorial and explore the lives and deaths of some of those who feature.
In June 1912, Albert Roy Luxton, a 34-year-old bus driver, realised the brakes on his motorbus had failed while descending Highgate Hill. Responding to the danger, he steered the bus away from a crowd, crashing into a wall and died from his injuries a week later. His funeral procession was attended by hundreds. Folklorist Alessandra Curtis will recount Luxton’s life and heroism, exploring how his story was commemorated and the impact of his actions on the community. She explains how she used historical newspaper articles to reconstruct his life and events, and even managed to find his grave.
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Dr John Price is an award-winning Public and Community Historian who takes a People's History approach to modern and contemporary history. Among other things, he is the Director of the Museum of Everyday Life, and the Director of History and Heritage for the New Cross Fire Foundation.
Alessandra Curtis is a British-Italian folklorist and writer with a foundation in archaeology. Her research primarily explores local legends, as well as material culture associated with themes of separation, absence, and death.
Our home, , is a unique Grade II listed not-for-profit,, independent arts venue within the only existing unspoilt example of a two-floor, purpose-built stable with public access in London.
Built in 1797 by James Burton, the shell is constructed with London Stocks whilst the interior features a mock cobbled concrete floor and ramps with slats to prevent the horses from slipping. Each floor has five cast iron pillars and several original iron tethering rings.
There will be a bar to purchase drinks
Event Venue & Nearby Stays
The Horse Hospital, Colonnade, London, United Kingdom
GBP 13.50
