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

The second coffee shop has to be Kaffeine. Having only recently come across this one, I was certainly impressed and they may even have the best coffee I've had, since a short stay in Portland, Oregon.
Read More
In 1936 Oswald Mosley's British Union of Fascists attempted to march through East London in what was an attempt at an intimidating show of strength. Like today, this area was home to a large number of ethnic and religious minorities, particularly Jews. 300,000 people came out to oppose the march and blocked the route. The battle that followed was actually between the protesters and the police who tried to clear the route so that the march could take place. Seeing that they faced a losing battle and possibly a riot Mosley called off the march. The artist Dave Binnington began this mural in 1976 to commemorate that day, and it was eventually finished in 1982. The mural and the battle of Cable Street are both perfect examples of Britain at its very best.
Read More
Go check out this very untypical gallery in the underground. You don't need a ticket and it does only take you a second to soak in the art displayed.
Read More
Created a fair few beautiful shoot here, place image not by me
Read More
The Bun House is one of my favourite places in Peckham. It’s a local pub and art project space. The sense of community and the warm heartedness of everyone, especially Mick (the owner!) are truly genuine. Various events, performances and exhibitions populate the project room, the pub’s drinking zone and the outdoor rooftop terrace at the back.
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