[title]
If you studied at UCL, have an allotment, and your only shoes are a pair of beat up Scarpa hiking boots, the name Friedrich Engels probably means something to you. The German philosopher, along with Karl Marx, was one of the fathers of communism. Now London could get an entire museum dedicated to the socialist.
A multi-million-pound house in Primrose Hill could become an Engels museum. The philosopher and writer who co-authored the Communist Manifesto with Karl Marx moved into the house in 1870 to be near Marx, who was his close friend. While living at 122 Regent’s Park Road Engels held weekly socialism debates, wrote books of political philosophy and took daily walks on Primrose Hill.
The property near Regent’s Park was later owned by elderly librarian Caroline Amy Read until 2020 when she died. Read bequeathed the house to a trust which reportedly now has plans for it to become an educational space. Located opposite The Queen’s pub and the entrance to Primrose Hill, the house has a blue plaque dedicated to Engels. Trustees are reportedly bidding to turn it into a space for young people to learn about the history of working-class struggle, gender equality, and international solidarity.
Did you see that one of the original Broadway stars of ‘Hamilton’ is joining the London version this summer?
Plus: London’s best airport is set to get bigger, quieter planes.
Get the latest and greatest from the Big Smoke – from news and reviews to events and trends. Just follow our Time Out London WhatsApp channel.
Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out London newsletter for the best of the city, straight to your inbox.