In February 2020 we travelled back in time to remember the Cato Street Conspiracy. – a failed but audacious attempt to murder the Prime Minister and his Cabinet in 1820.
Organised by local resident and committee member, Caroline Friedman with the rest of the Committee, and supported by Marble Arch London BID and other local business such as York Estates the free event saw performers in period dress and was attended by the local Marble Arch and Edgware Road community and visitors from further afield.
A recording told the story of the Cato Street Conspiracy outside the house where the conspirators met while history boards gave the background to the plot and display drawings, images and contemporary newspaper reports.
An authentic vintage horse-drawn tram also gave rides around the block, while the event saw traditional food and drinks sold from a street vendor and Regency-era children’s games played on the street.
Local school children were invited to enter an art competition inspired by the story and a one-man play about the Cato Street Conspiracy was performed in the nearby Duke of York pub. Both the Duke of York and The Larrik pubs also took part in the day by serving Conspiracy cocktails and mocktails alongside offering traditional food and hosting old-style singalongs. The Duke of York also hosted actor David Benson’s one man show about the Conspiracy, fresh from the Edinburgh Festival.
Caroline Friedman, organiser and of the Harrowby and District Residents Association, says: “The Cato Street Conspiracy is an important but often overlooked part of Britain’s history and we felt that a community event would be the best way to commemorate this milestone. I am thrilled that so many people from across London came to take part and learned more about this fascinating event and I was also touched that three descendants of the conspirators flew all the way from Australia to take part in this special day. We would also like to thank Marble Arch London BID for all their work in helping to promote the event and securing the support of the local businesses.”
HDRA 