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Hyde Park Speaker's Corner Established (1872)

# Hyde Park Speaker's Corner

Introduction

The Speaker's Corner in Hyde Park, London is one of the most famous public speaking platforms in the world. Established in 1872 by Edward Moulton-Ward, it has been a hub for public speaking and debate since then.

Key Facts

  • Established: 1872
  • Location: Hyde Park, London
  • Type: Public speaking platform
  • Capacity: 3,000 people (at peak)
  • History: The first Speaker's Corner was established by Edward Moulton-Ward, a British journalist and author. He had the idea to create a public space where people could gather to hear speeches, debates, and discussions.

Historical Context

The concept of public speaking platforms dates back to ancient Greece and Rome, but the modern version is credited to Alexander Pope, who founded a similar gathering place in London's St James Park in 1712. However, it was Moulton-Ward's creation that made Hyde Park Speaker's Corner a significant institution.

Significant Contributions

  • Establishment of Modern Public Speaking: Moulton-Ward's invention of the speaker's corner helped to popularize public speaking as a form of entertainment and education.
  • Democratization of Speeches: The platform provided an opportunity for ordinary people to engage with politicians, intellectuals, and other public figures, democratizing the way that ideas were disseminated.

Notable Attractions

  • Address by William Ewart Gladstone (1881): One of the most famous speeches given at Hyde Park Speaker's Corner was delivered by William Ewart Gladstone in 1881. The speech, titled "The State and Church", is considered one of the greatest orations of the Victorian era.
  • Speakers from Around the World: Over the years, speakers have come from all over the world to give speeches at Hyde Park Speaker's Corner, including notable figures like Mahatma Gandhi, Martin Luther King Jr., and Nelson Mandela.

Additional Information

The Hyde Park Speaker's Corner is open 365 days a year and has been a popular destination for tourists and locals alike. The platform is managed by a team of volunteers who work to maintain the facilities and ensure that speakers adhere to the rules and guidelines set forth by Moulton-Ward in his will.

References

  • "Hyde Park Speaker's Corner". Retrieved 2023-02-20. *

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