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Squatters quit Guy Ritchie's £6m house... for a pub lock-in
Rob Parsons21 Feb 2011
Squatters evicted from a £6 million Fitzrovia house owned by film director Guy Ritchie have moved into a disused pub nearby.
After a judge ruled on Friday that Ritchie had the right to take back his Fitzroy Square house, the self-styled Really Free School took over the 200-year-old former Black Horse pub in Rathbone Place, which closed down last year.
A message on the Really Free School's website last night read: "We just moved into our new building! Hundred+ people carrying furniture through street!"
Ritchie bought the Fitzrovia house last year and planned to renovate it. Central London County Court issued an interim eviction order because the squatters' presence meant work couldn't proceed.
The four-storey Black Horse was recently bought by London and Central Estates Limited for £1.95 million, with the intention of redeveloping the residential accommodation.
Before moving to Ritchie's place, the Really Free School occupied a house in Bloomsbury. Members describe their bases as "autonomous space to find each other, to gain momentum, to cross-pollinate ideas and actions".
Linus Rees, chairman of trustees at the Fitzrovia Neighbourhood Association, recently defended the Fitzroy Square occupation.
It has emerged that Cambridge-educated trainee barrister Paul Powlesland, who works at Temple Garden Chambers, visited the squat at Ritchie's house to attend talks.
Reader views (24)
I think some of the comments here are unbelievable - wishing violence on free school activists - people who just want to use empty non-used buildings to start free schools is despicably ugly - as is siding with a tax avoiding millionaire who is wasting tax payers money evicting them
As I understand it the Free School Activists have always left properties, undamaged and on the date agreed with the owner if given enough time to run some classes while the property is empty. Guy Richie went straight to his lawyers and an expensive (to the tax payer) court case and police monitored eviction.
Now higher education has effectively been privatised it going to be free schools like this run by volunteers that will only source of higher education for many.
- Henry, London, 22/02/2011 16:39
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I'm one of the people who've taught at the school. Many of us are employed, as academics, have very respectable everyday jobs, or are studying. BTW The Free School is careful to leave buildings tider than when they found them ( there's always a mass claen up when they move in) and to take everything with them when they leave. There are permanent spaces that. If you've not been along, please do not judge.
- L Wills, London, 22/02/2011 14:43
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Why are some people assuming that a)these people have no jobs or occupations, b) they left damage and mess behind, and c) that their lectures consisted of self-congratulary preaching?
Disagreeing with squatting is one thing, but making broad-sweeping assumptions about what the squatters are like is quite another. The group have created something interesting and put lots of positive energy into it. They have moved out when asked without causing damage or using aggressive behaviour.
It's fascinating that they have popped up at this particular time when free education is an issue that students have demonstrated in the streets about, and have done something a bit cheeky but actually rather fun and generous as well.
- Anna, London, UK, 22/02/2011 10:38
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Just a passing thought - do Met not have flame-throwers?
- Ted, Chelsea Marina, London, 22/02/2011 07:04
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"The Really Free School deserve wide public support!"
This "Really Free School" - planning on teaching the three 'R's were they? Or perhaps just 'educating' with self-congratulatory preaching to the choir for like minded free-loaders and wannabes?
As for moving into the near-by pub - they're just taking the mick, I reckon.
- Rogan, Irving, 22/02/2011 03:38
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Well I am all up for the really free school as an idea. I am personal friends with some of the people who are part of the group and the only thing I will say to people, is that you should get to know an organisation before you judge it. They are lovely, good, honest people, who are just trying to be a bit different and shake up our overly commercialised society by offering free talks and events. This would not be possible if they had to rent out halls etc. because obviously they would then have to charge. They also have very good values and morals, as they never take anything from the squats or leave anything behind. And no Guy Ritchie's house did not have working showers, it was just a shell of a building. In fact they had to construct their own toilet. Most people do not realise the amount of hard work and creativity which goes into squatting.
- Anastasia, Hatfield, 22/02/2011 01:09
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Quote: It has emerged that one of the squatters is Cambridge-educated trainee barrister Paul Powlesland, who works at Temple Garden Chambers...
The only annoying thing is the university educated lodgers, posh people tend to get up my nose.
mickinlondon 21/02/2011 14.07
The only annoying thing I find are people making judgements on an article they failed to read. Mickinlondon... Paul Powlesland did not live at the squat... he visited it to attend talks! Why that is news is stiff baffling though.
- Jeremy, Sydney, Australia, 21/02/2011 21:27
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Would 'The Black Horse' be a Free House then?
- dhan raj, basildon, 21/02/2011 20:02
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Why can't they be moved onto a disused airfield, in a tent ?
I hate to think of the damage and mess left behind. Are they going to be forced to pay for it ?
- Michael, London, UK, 21/02/2011 19:43
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Back in the 90's this was my after work regular pub, upstairs they had Three pool tables which were a big attraction. With the beautiful staff and a "Aussie" landlord, sadly he was sqeezed out and the pub lost all it's charm. I have some really great memories of that place so it hurts to see this situation occur.
- BrianF, London, 21/02/2011 19:03
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The Really Free School deserve wide public support!
- Jack Tafari, London, UK, 21/02/2011 18:24
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- i am at a loss as to why the rich do not have security for their expensive homes.
- Denise, Louisville, USA
It shouldn't be friggin' needed!!!
- Steve, London, 21/02/2011 17:45
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From the article;
Before moving to Ritchie's place, the Really Free School occupied a house in Bloomsbury. Members describe their bases as "autonomous space to find each other, to gain momentum, to cross-pollinate ideas and actions".
Hmm, no mention there of work, pay taxes nor respect the property of others
- Rowland, Kingston up the Thames, 21/02/2011 17:41
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I don’t know about you lot; but the Pub looks great to me; and I would like to live there myself.
- mickinlondon., london, 21/02/2011 14:07
what's stopping you?
- Scotty, London, 21/02/2011 17:29
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i am at a lost as to why the rich do not have security for their expensive homes. squatting seems to be rife in london, yet they do nothing to protect their property. not even the banks, it would appear. if the property is vacant, why is it not secure?
- Denise, Louisville, USA, 21/02/2011 17:26
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The Big Society really works for squatters.
- Anglo, Sussex England, 21/02/2011 17:13
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Through work I have quite a few friends from various social strata in Spain, Italy, Germany amd Portugal. When I tell them that squatting in someone's house is legal in England, they are all quite understandably incredulous and horrified, they think this MUST be a a joke, they find it UNBELIEVABLE that such a nonsensical, offensive law exits.
- Steve, London, 21/02/2011 17:12
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On the other hand dont Guy Ritchie know a ganster or 2 that could force evict (oh yeah thats illegal)!
- Nick Bees, Canada (ex pat -London),
Tony Blair and Gordon Brown are gone, Nick.
The only gangsters left are busy in Parliament and the City of London making more cash than Richie can pay them to toss out a few squatters.
- mickinlondon., london, 21/02/2011 17:07
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Why the hell arent the laws changed?
why do squatters have rights?
Some of the old laws are so outdated!
On the other hand dont Guy Ritchie know a ganster or 2 that could force evict (oh yeah thats illegal)!
- Nick Bees, Canada (ex pat -London), 21/02/2011 15:36
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The swarm of sewer rats are on the move again?
And yet again they break into locked premisses but apparently that is legal?
- Frank, Home Counties, England.,
It was opening time at the pub, Frank.
Mind you; they may have to go back to Richie's house at closing time.
- mickinlondon., london, 21/02/2011 15:11
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The swarm of sewer rats are on the move again?
And yet again they break into locked premisses but apparently that is legal?
- Frank, Home Counties, England., 21/02/2011 14:43
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Quote: It has emerged that one of the squatters is Cambridge-educated trainee barrister Paul Powlesland, who works at Temple Garden Chambers.
Well the pub would be a better option than Guy Richie’s house anyway; as they can now drink champagne in the correct surroundings; and teach pupils about drinking good beer at the same time.
I don’t know about you lot; but the Pub looks great to me; and I would like to live there myself.
The only annoying thing is the university educated lodgers, posh people tend to get up my nose.
- mickinlondon., london, 21/02/2011 14:07
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They were presumably unhappy that Mr Ritchie's property had working showers and baths? that would never do oh no no!
- Mr G Myers, London - England, 21/02/2011 13:43
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So they have no jobs to go to then ?
- Grim Reaper, Hell, 21/02/2011 13:29
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