Overview

In 1872, an Act of Parliament was passed allowing a space in the north-eastern corner of London's Hyde Park to be given over for public speaking. At that time Speakers' Corner was a place where thousands would turn up to debate serious political issues of the day. Even today, Speakers' Corner is one of Britain's most famous places for public debate and discussion, but the difference is that the crowds are far fewer in number and the orators present are usually of the type issuing prophecies of an impending global apocalypse. Every Sunday the crowds of tourists still congregate at Speakers' Corner, more out of curiosity than enlightenment.