Before Grenfell: A Hidden History
Residents of the community around Grenfell Tower tell an extraordinary story, 150 years in the making, of how their borough became the most unequal place in Britain.
When Grenfell Tower caught fire in June 2017, the disaster revealed a deep division between rich and poor in this part of west London. Now, residents of the community around the tower tell the extraordinary story, 150 years in the making, of how their borough became the most unequal place in Britain.
This film reveals little-known stories of how the divisions began, such as the building in the nineteenth century of a huge wall that still stands today. The wall was intended to separate the homes of the Victorian middle class from what was then the worst slum in London. Residents share their memories of the dramatic events that shaped their community - from exploitation by notorious landlord Peter Rachman in the 1950s to the first Notting Hill race riots and the construction of Grenfell Tower in the 1970s.
When Grenfell Tower opened in 1974, Britain was more equal than it has ever been, before or since. For the residents who moved in then, the tower was a symbol of hope for the future. But since Grenfell opened, we have become steadily more unequal, until today levels of income inequality are the same as they were in 1850. This is the untold story of a unique part of west London, revealing how its past has shaped its present.
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Pushed out of Kensington: A tale of two cities
Duration: 04:05
Music Played
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Ella Fitzgerald & Chick Webb and His Orchestra
If Dreams Come True
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Lord Kitchener
Dr Kitch
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This Is the Kit
Magic Spell
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The Granville Williams Orchestra
Hi Life (aka High Life)
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Darrell Banks
Open The Door To Your Heart
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MPHO
Box N Locks (Radio Edit)
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Martha and the Muffins
Echo Beach
Credits
Role | Contributor |
---|---|
Interviewed Guest | Eddie Adams |
Interviewed Guest | Velma Davies |
Interviewed Guest | Peter Deakins |
Interviewed Guest | Alison Du Cane |
Interviewed Guest | Leslie Du Cane |
Interviewed Guest | Niles Hailstones |
Interviewed Guest | Jacqui Haynes |
Interviewed Guest | Pat Matthews |
Interviewed Guest | Ishmael Murray |
Interviewed Guest | Virginia Sang |
Interviewed Guest | Rosalyn Sylvester |
Interviewed Guest | Laura Tansley |
Interviewed Guest | Allan Tyrrell |
Interviewed Guest | Robert Wallis |
Narrator | Danny John-Jules |
Composer | Mat Davidson |
Colourist | Ross Baker |
On-line editing | Nick Arthur |
Re-recording mixer | Gerrit Swanepoel |
Sound Recordist | Ian MacLagan |
Director of photography | Sam Ardley |
Director of photography | Johann Perry |
Director of photography | Patrick Smith |
Director of photography | Graeme Strong |
Assistant Producer | Sophie Perrins |
Producer | Amy Morgan |
Line Producer | Jane Greaves |
Editor | Tom Dixon-Spain |
Editor | Niels Bellinger |
Executive Producer | Alistair Pegg |
Executive Producer | Edmund Coulthard |
Producer | James Ross |
Director | James Ross |
Production Company | Blast! Films |