The Bronterre O’Brien Commemoration is back after a hiatus, and this year it will be given by our local Member of Parliament Diane Abbott. This event is free with a suggested donation to the Abney Park Trust.

About the Bronterre O’Brien Commemoration: James “Bronterre” O'Brien fought, as a Chartist, for a free, untaxed press, universal suffrage and parliamentary reform in the 19th century. His radical politics brought him to the attention of the authorities and in 1840 he was charged with sedition and jailed for 18 months. A life of poverty and ill health followed and, though friends raised money to help a man who’d sacrificed so much for the causes they shared, he spent the last years of his life bedridden. He eventually died in 1864 and was buried in a modest ceremony – as he would have wanted – in Abney Park Cemetery. Find out more about the history of the commemoration at this link.

Speaker bio: Diane Abbott MP

Diane Abbott is the Member of Parliament for Hackney North and Stoke Newington. In 1987 Diane Abbott made history by becoming the first black woman ever elected to the British Parliament. She has since built a distinguished career as a parliamentarian, broadcaster and commentator.

The High Street entrance will remain closed, but we will meet inside the park near the closed entrance at 11am (please enter via Church Street and walk round) – at the point where the path splits into three, just beyond the new buildings. We’ll go together to O’Brien’s grave for the lecture.

Please note:
We may need to cancel at short notice in extraordinary circumstances, such as if there are high winds - please check your emails on the morning of the event.
Please wear sturdy shoes.
There are no toilet facilities available.