Hyde Park Speakers Corner
Hyde Park Speakers Corner is a historic public speaking area located at the northeast corner of Hyde Park in London, near Marble Arch and Cumberland Gate. This unique venue has been a gathering place for "soap box" orators, particularly on Sundays, where individuals can express their views on a wide range of topics, often including controversial issues. The tradition of public speaking at this location dates back to the nineteenth century, associated with the rise of democratic protest movements, including significant political demonstrations like the "Reform Riot" of 1866. Officially designated for public speaking in 1872, it gained widespread recognition in the post-World War I era. Speakers enjoy considerable freedom, although certain restrictions are in place, such as the prohibition of microphones, obscene language, and any actions that could lead to a breach of the peace. The environment encourages not only speaking but also heckling, which has become an accepted part of the experience. This vibrant space continues to be a reflection of free speech and public discourse in London, drawing locals and tourists alike.
Hyde Park Speakers Corner
Description: Part of London’s Hyde Park
Significance: Since the late nineteenth century, this area has been a center for unrestrained and uncensored speech
Located at the northeast corner of London’s Hyde Park, Speakers Corner (which should not be confused with “Hyde Park Corner” at the park’s southeast corner) is situated near Marble Arch and Cumberland Gate, close to the site of the notorious Tyburn executions of the eighteenth century. Here, “soap box” orators have long gathered—especially on Sundays—and held forth on numerous, often controversial, topics of public interest. This practice has spread to at least one of Great Britain’s former colonies, as a similar site developed in Australia, at Sydney’s Domain, a park in the center of Sydney. Speakers may say virtually anything at Speakers Corner; however, three kinds of restrictions are enforced: no microphones, no obscenity, and no “breaches of the peace.” The latter restriction essentially means that neither “fighting words” nor fighting itself is allowed.
The free-wheeling free speech traditions of Speakers Corner go back to the growth of democratic workers’ protest meetings during the nineteenth century, when Hyde Park was the site of numerous political demonstrations, including the “Reform Riot” of 1866, which was staged by protesters demanding an extension of Britain’s franchise. The name “Speakers Corner” itself, however, was not generally used until after World War I. In 1872 the area was officially set aside as a haven for speaking and political demonstrations. By the early twentieth century, the appearance of Sunday “lecturers” of all varieties was well established. Some orators have brought placards and ladders or other portable platforms to increase their visibility. Heckling speakers is an accepted practice, and, among experienced speakers, answering hecklers has become a fine art.