Although freedom of speech is a human right in most civilised countries, Speakers’ Corner has been described as one of the few places in the world where anyone can just climb on a ‘soapbox’ and speak their minds on any subject as long as the police considers it lawful – and almost be guaranteed an audience. It has been like this ever since this area of London’s Hyde Park was the site of Tyburn gallows, where public executions took place between 1196 and 1783, and the condemned were allowed to speak before being hanged. Over the centuries, Speakers’ Corner has been the site of riots, demonstrations, public meetings of groups – such as the communists – that weren’t allowed to gather anywhere else, and was frequented by Marx, Lenin, George Orwell and many other historic figures.  While today it is mainly the scene of eccentrics, religious fanatics and oddballs of all kinds, several prominent speakers such as Heiko Khoo and Jonathan Fitter keep the tradition of meaningful discussions around political and social themes alive. Religion has been debated in Hyde Park since the right to meet and speak freely was formally established in 1872. Today it’s the dominant topic by far, with religious speakers and preachers drawing the biggest crowds and clearly outnumbering the political meetings.  I have been documenting the people gathering here every Sunday since 2012.
Website
enkelmann.co.uk
Address
Speakers' Corner, Marble Arch, London, United Kingdom
Current city: London
I’m a London-based documentary and travel photographer, dividing my time between commercial commissions and personal projects. 
 

More Places in London 471

Relaxed with character. Tiny garden at the back overlooked by Waterloo train station. Not sure if mother cat still lives there. Nice to go with friends or alone. Books. Good for a coffee and cake or a bottle of beer. Spiral staircase down to basement. One loo serves the place - tip - lock the door, don't just rely on the curtain and save an awkward encounter.  Photo credit: http://www.appletoothpaste.co.uk/2017/05/coffee-scooter-caffe-london.html
Read More
A winding side street that links hectic Oxford Street and Tottenham Court Road, Hanway Street, with its odd mix of old-style Spanish flamenco bars and second-hand vinyl stores, is a bit of an anomaly. I’ll be surprised if they all withstand the Tottenham Court Road redevelopment but I hope they do.
Read More
Warm summer nights should be spent in the high grass in Hampstead Heath above the ponds. For midsummer bring herring, snaps and songs and stay until sunrise!
Read More
I have supported Tottenham since I was about 5 years old and I am a dedicated season ticket holder. The club was founded in 1882 and are known for their positive attacking football and their fantastic fan support. In the beginning of the 2018–2019 season "Spurs" will be moving into their new stadium with a capacity of 62,000 spectators.
Read More
One or two screenings a day, a few days a week; less is more at Close Up. The library is a great resource too, for work or pleasure.
Read More
Argentina
Austria
Bosnia and Herzegovina
Colombia
Croatia
Czechia
Ecuador
Finland
Georgia
Hong Kong
Iceland
Indonesia
Ireland
Israel
Latvia
Lithuania
Malta
Morocco
New Zealand
Oman
Pakistan
Panama
Philippines
Portugal
Puerto Rico
Romania
Serbia
Singapore
Slovenia
South Africa
South Korea
Sri Lanka
Taiwan
Thailand
Ukraine
United Arab Emirates
Uruguay