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Bartholomew Rd Squatter Interview 1973

Archive type: Video
Archive ID: lcva_04421
Date: 1973
Location: North London
Chroma: B/W
Duration: 00:05:17
Credits: View

A black and white tape recording the eviction events of 84 Bartholomew Road of 1973. The tape begins with John “Hoppy” Hopkins narrating the exterior of the property, he states “It’s three thirty in the afternoon… in the last 24 hours there have been several battles on this premises.” Inside the darkened house, a silhouetted tenant recounts their eviction, he recalls their belongings were moved into the garden, and a confrontation followed — including a picket, threats from a man with a dog, and repeated attempts to reoccupy. After regaining the property and forcing out the intruder, they learn the court has discontinued the possession order, though a new summons is expected the next day at 3pm. As police arrive and tensions rise — with sledgehammers, arrests threatened, and local residents showing solidarity — the squatters now hold the top two floors, while the owner remains below, awaiting what comes next. The tape is very dark and low lit.

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