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Local films available to view in full online
The story of Moll King's Belsize Houses
An illustrated presentation by David S. Percy with Dame Janet Suzman reading excerpts from the book.
David S. Percy presents the fascinating account of some of the first settlers on Haverstock Hill. A story of pioneers who arrived in Belsize in the early part of the 18th century and the houses they lived in. A captivating tale of a really gutsy, determined individual who made her own way, a woman who mixed with harlots, courtesans and lords of the land. This presentation coincides with celebrations to mark the Belsize Society/ BRA 50th anniversary.
The Harlots of Haverstock Hill
Moll King is brought to life as Dame Janet Suzman reads extracts from The Harlots of Haverstock Hill – as included in the above film Moll King's Belsize Houses.
A Fascinating account of the remarkable life of ‘Moll’ King, an 18th century madam, an ambitious and opportunistic woman who rose from humble beginnings in the streets of London to become one of the first settlers in Belsize Park.
Moll became a wealthy landowner with several properties on Haverstock Hill in the days when there were no more than a handful of houses along this country road to Hampstead. Her legacy remains there to this day.
The Bicycles of Belsize
(Les Bicyclettes de Belsize) – short film
The Bicycles of Belsize was made in 2011 to accompany volume one of the full-length documentary The Belsize Story. This short video features scenes of cyclists young and old riding their bikes around Belsize Park, London.
Inspired by the 1968 film Les Bicyclettes de Belsize, the soundtrack is an original recording by ballad singer Engelbert Humperdinck, and was filmed entirely in Belsize Park.
The story of the major restoration project to save St Stephen's, Rosslyn Hill
Nathaniel Mander provides the soundtrack La Forqueray by Jacques Duphly on the harpsichord. This is another film from a series of new recordings of Nathaniel Mander performing at St Stephens.
Nathaniel graduated from London's Royal Academy of Music with first class honours in 2011, and has since become one of the UK's foremost young harpsichordists.
Sir Derek Jacobi reads from BELSIZE Remembered. SirDerek kindly agreed to read a selection of individual stories from the book for the launch event on 26 October 2017.
BELSIZE Remembered is a collection of reminiscences of Belsize Park which capture the flavour of what old hands and relative newcomers relish about where they live in this part of London.
The book is available to purchase at Daunt Books Haverstock Hill & South End Road NW3, and online here.
Belsize Park Celebrations 2017 – highlights
Featuring Dame Janet Suzman and Richard Ratcliffe with full supporting cast. Appearances from Andrew Thornton and the Budgens team, Neal Whitmore.
An excerpt from ‘Where’s my Mummy – Nazanin’s Story’ written/directed by Emi Howell, Rev Paul Nicholson + Rabbi Shlomo Levin, Hampstead Community Choir, Haverstock School Journalism Project, The Bollywood Co Dancers, Abacus Free School Choir. Event hosted by Adriana Bassi and Pablo Farba.
The Belsize Story: Volume 1 covers Central Belsize.
Both volumes of The Belsize Story are narrated by Belsize resident Fiona Bruce.
Combining its fascinating historical background with a present-day architectural tour, The Belsize Story records the evolution of Belsize Park right up to the present day, featuring the buildings, the beautiful settings and most importantly, its people.
The Belsize Story: Volume 2 covers Greater Belsize – the Eton College Estate, the Fitzjohn’s/Netherhall area plus the part of Belsize located on the eastern side of Haverstock Hill. Featuring architectural details as well as conversations with local residents and other expert contributors.
"I wanted to let you know how much I have enjoyed your two wonderful Belsize Story films, they are absolutely lovely. Beautifully thought out and filmed."
– C H, UK, 2019
Made by David S Percy of the NBA Film Unit for European Architectural Heritage Year, 1975, Hampstead Garden Suburb is a documentary celebrating the history of one of the first garden suburbs. The production features the history, architecture, planning and community life of Hampstead Garden Suburb over 70 years.
Presented by local residents Timothy Neal and narrated by Sir Donald Sinden CBE, FRSA. This 40th anniversary edition is restored and digitally re-mastered.
Nathaniel Mander plays the Arrival of the Queen of Sheba on the harpsichord at St Stephen's Rosslyn Hill, London, Spring 2017.
This is the first of a series of new recordings. Nathaniel Mander graduated from London's Royal Academy of Music with first class honours in 2011, and has since become one of the UK's foremost young harpsichordists.
In this second recording, Handel's Sarabande is performed by Nathaniel Mader by candlelight at St Stephen's Rosslyn Hill, Spring 2017.
Nathaniel Mander graduated from London's Royal Academy of Music with first class honours in 2011, and has since become one of the UK's foremost young keyboard performers.
Nathaniel Mander plays François Couperin's Les Barricades Mystérieuses one evening on the harpsichord at St Stephen's Rosslyn Hill, Spring 2017.
Nathaniel Mander graduated from London's Royal Academy of Music with first class honours in 2011, and has since become one of the UK's foremost young keyboard performers. He began his studies with Richard Lester before moving to London in 2009 to train with Carole Cerasi at the Royal Academy of Music.
The story of How the Heath was Saved is an entertaining and informative 60 minute presentation given at St Stephen's, Rosslyn Hill in May 2014 by Helen Marcus Vice President, The Heath & Hampstead Society.
Saving Hampstead Heath is said to be the first great conservation battle of modern times.
No to Tesco in Belsize Park was a vigorous campaign supported by Dame Janet Suzman, Tom Conti, Damian Lewis, Emma Thompson, James Corden and UK wine critic Jancis Robinson to stop Tesco opening an Express store on Haverstock Hill in Belsize Park in January 2015.
The campaign was successful.
Belsize Winter Lights Haverstock Hill switch on 2016 with Jim Broadbent., the Royal Free Music Society Choir, the Belsize Community Choir, Andrew Thornton, Linda Chung, Richard Ratcliffe – appeal to free Nazanin Zaghari Ratcliffe trapped in Iran, The Rev Paul Nicholson, Rabbi Stuart Altshuler and Caroline Chan.
These films are by the award-winning film-maker David S. Percy who lived as a child in Manor Mansions, on the corner of Belsize Grove and Belsize Park Gardens.
My Partner and I just watched volume 1 of The Besize Story – what a delight this was! We wanted to thank Mr Percy and we hope this note can be shared with him. The documentary gives a wonderful account of the history of the village, its architecture, its shops and its residents and community. It is very informative and engaging with as a bonus Fiona Bruce’s voice (excellent choice).
Having lived in the Belsize Village and enjoyed its neighbourhood for over 15 years, the movies only reinforces how beautiful Belsize Park is and how privileged we are to reside in this part of London.
– W and R, Belsize Village residents
These films are licensed under
a Creative Commons License
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