Neighbors Challenge Plan to Turn Engels' Former Home into Museum
Neighbors of a Primrose Hill house that could be transformed into a meeting place and museum dedicated to Friedrich Engels, one of the founding fathers of modern-day Communism, argue he would not have approved of the loss of housing. The property at 122 Regent’s Park Road, which already bears a blue plaque marking it as Engels' former residence, has been left to a trust by its former owner with instructions to use it as a commemoration of his life and works.
Residents Voice Strong Opposition to Public Use
One neighbor, who wished to remain anonymous, stated: "Both next-door neighbors at 124 and 120 Regent’s Park Road and one leaseholder in the building at 122 Regent’s Park Road itself are strongly opposed to the loss of housing dwellings that would occur if this public use of the building is permitted." They emphasized concerns about noise and disturbance, noting that the terrace walls are not sound-proof and that residents have a right to quiet enjoyment of their homes.
The neighbor added: "It is my firm belief that Engels himself would wish to provide housing in London now that housing is in such short supply. The plans for the building suggest that it would be empty much of the time, but with intermittent events taking place that would be noisy. There are no artefacts or items of furniture to view that have any connection to the life of Engels in the house."
Trust's Plans and Community Response
The trust, which holds the freehold to the building and leases to three of the four flats, has shared early plans with the community, indicating that all events will be by appointment-only to prevent drop-in visitors. However, residents have expressed worries about potential queues and disruptions from events at Engels House.
Another neighbor suggested that the existing blue plaque is sufficient to remember Engels, pointing out that many homes in Primrose Hill have famous former residents. Historian Sir Tristram Hunt, author of a biography on Engels, is scheduled to speak at an event about him at the Primrose Hill Community Association on March 16.
Background on the Property and Its Former Owner
The three-storey house in Regent’s Park, facing Primrose Hill, could be worth millions on the property market. Instead, its former owner, Caroline Amy Read, who lived there for nearly 40 years, bequeathed it to a trust to educate future generations and foster political debate.
Meg Ryan, a friend and trustee, described Ms. Read as a librarian who valued access to books for children from impoverished families. "She was interested in politics, but she was not in any party. She loved reading Private Eye – so she had a healthy cynicism of politicians," Ms. Ryan said. "I would say she was a natural Communist. By that I mean she was giving, she was against elitism in all its forms."
Ms. Read, who bought the property in 1982, was actively involved in campaigns to save Primrose Hill Library during austerity years and authored a book titled Primrose Hill Remembered. She left the house to a trust managed by Ms. Ryan and other trustees, with no direct heirs, and took pride in living in Engels' former home.
