Origin

Joseph Beck has been a personal inspiration to me since researching the archive of the campaign to save Clissold Park in the mid-1880s, which he led. Through that work, he came to stand out as a local figure whose actions had a lasting impact on the area.

I would often walk past the site on Albion Road where his house once stood, now Barton House GP. While there is a commemorative fountain in the park honouring Beck and his co-campaigner John Runtz, it felt appropriate to mark his connection to the area beyond the park itself. The site of his home presented a clear and direct location for that.

Delivery

In 2017, I developed the idea of installing a local heritage plaque at this location and began putting the project in motion.

I coordinated the process, working with the council, Barton House GP, the Clissold Park User Group and members of Beck’s family to secure agreement for the plaque and funding for its production. I also arranged for its installation by a local tradesman.

The plaque was funded through donations from the Clissold Park User Group and members of Beck’s family, and installed with the support of the council.

Unveiling Ceremony

The plaque was unveiled on 10 November 2018 outside Barton House GP by Beck’s descendants. The event brought together, for the first time in nearly 130 years, members of the families of Joseph Beck and his fellow campaigner John Runtz.

Two recordings from the ceremony:

Caroline Millar, Clissold Park User Group, reading from a letter written by Beck after the park was secured for public use.

Liz Shaw, Beck’s great-great-granddaughter, unveiling the plaque.