Can you imagine a quiet oasis within the hustle of Notting Hill? That’s Powis Square, a garden square tucked away between Portobello Road and Talbot Road. It might look like any other London park, but its history holds some fascinating secrets.
Built in the mid-19th century, Powis Square was originally home to upper-middle class families. But in the 1930s, it fell into decline and was considered a slum area. The notorious slum landlord Peter Rachman, who exploited many properties in the area, also owned a number of buildings on Powis Square in the 1950s and 60s.
The square eventually became a focal point of social change. In 1968, activists campaigning for social change broke into the square to reclaim it as a place for the community. They cleared out the rubbish and set up games for children, which led to the creation of a playground. Today, it’s a peaceful, open space where people can relax and enjoy the greenery.
There’s something special about Powis Square – it’s a place that has been transformed by the community. It’s a place where the past and present collide, where history is etched in the very fabric of the square. So the next time you’re in Notting Hill, take a stroll through Powis Square and absorb the atmosphere – you never know what stories you might discover.