18 months ago I had an idea to install a plaque on Barton House GP, the site of the home of Clissold Park co-founder Joseph Beck, who led the campaign in the mid 1880s to save the park from development. While there’s a commemorative fountain in the park to honour Joseph Beck and his ‘partner-in-crime’ John Runtz, I felt it would fitting to also have commemorate Beck’s important achievement outside the park, where Beck lived.

18 months later it’s a reality thanks to donations from the Clissold Park User Group and Beck’s family. The plaque was unveiled on November 10th, 3pm outside Barton House GP by Beck’s great great great grandchildren.

Two videos from the ceremony:

Caroline Millar from the Clissold Park User Group, who part-funded the making of the plaque, reading part of a letter written by Joseph Beck after the park was saved and secured for the public

Liz Shaw, Joseph Beck’s great great granddaughter and the plaque unveiling