Named after a battle far away, The Magdala stands before us, a seemingly ordinary pub in the heart of Hampstead. But don’t let its unassuming exterior fool you. The Magdala holds a history as dramatic as any London stage. The pub earned its name from the 1868 Battle of Magdala, a clash between the British Empire and the Ethiopian Empire. The Victorian era celebrated such victories, and this pub, built in the mid-19th century, became a monument to that distant triumph. Step inside, and you’ll find yourself transported back to the 1930s. The Magdala boasts a remarkably preserved interior. The wood panelling, the Art Deco frieze, the pink marble fireplace – they all whisper tales of a bygone era. But The Magdala’s story, like many pubs, is not just one of warm pints and convivial chatter. It’s a story touched by tragedy, forever linked to the name Ruth Ellis. In 1955, just outside this very pub, Ruth Ellis, the last woman to be hanged in the UK, fatally shot her lover, David Blakely. This act, fueled by a tumultuous and abusive relationship, sent shockwaves through the nation, igniting debates about capital punishment and the treatment of women in abusive relationships. The Magdala, silent witness to this tragic drama, has since seen its doors close and reopen, a testament to its resilience and the enduring allure of a good pub. So, as you enjoy a pint within these historic walls, remember, The Magdala’s story is a tapestry woven from triumph and tragedy, a microcosm of London’s ever-evolving narrative.
Центральный дом работников искусств
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