Octavia Hill was an English social reformer dedicated to improving the lives of urban dwellers, particularly in London during the latter half of the 19th century. Overcoming personal financial hardship, she championed self-reliance and personal connection within her social housing initiatives, believing in empowering individuals. Hill also fiercely advocated for the preservation of open spaces for the public and was instrumental in founding the National Trust, ensuring natural beauty and historic sites would be accessible for generations to come.
In this short essay, Hill sets out a clear, concise argument for public access to parks, and argues for the rights we now take for granted. Our Common Land is a forgotten part of our cultural history, and demonstrates exactly why the founders of the National Trust thought it was so important to preserve ancient buildings and estates for the public.
Focusing on urban poverty and housing conditions in Victorian London, this landmark work by Octavia Hill provides a detailed examination of the struggles faced by the city's working-class residents. Through thorough research and personal accounts, Hill highlights the dire living situations in tenements and advocates for slum clearance and improved sanitation. Her passionate commitment to social justice urges society to address systemic injustices, inspiring future activists and policymakers to pursue housing reform and equality. The book serves as a powerful call to action for compassion and solidarity in combating poverty.