Chant Joseph summed up this unease when she told me: Forty years since this huge protest that brought London to a halt, not one thing has changed its tiring thinking about all the work that needs to be done to fix racism in this country. She stresses the importance of remembering the day, saying that these memorials need to be treated with way more respect. Others have been very ill for a period of years." New Cross massacre action committee demonstrators outside County Hall, London. A full rsum of his life can be found on theEncyclopedia Titanica website. Excellent potential to extend, subject to relevant permissions. Sales: 020 7313 3660. For many of us the New Cross Massacre, as dub poet Linton Kwesi Johnson describes it, is a reference point to how little value British institutions placed on black young lives. Original reporting and incisive analysis, direct from the Guardian every morning. The last sale of this property was before 1995. He advises that you cant be optimistic, all you can do is organise to the best of your ability in whatever circumstances you find yourself. Rarely seen, this 6/7 BEDROOM PERIOD PROPERTY with SELF CONTAINED ANNEXE, is superbly located being just moments away from New Cross Rail and Overground Station. You can get in touch by filling in the form below, anonymously if you wish. Police raids on parties and accusations of brutality were ever present. This large and imposing three-storey Victorian home boasts lavish entertaining space, And a beautiful landscaped garden with tree house and side access. Police confront protesters in Blackfriars Bridge Road in London in 1981. Build your dream home with lots of room to spare. The party had started the night before on January 17, 1981 but the fire started around 5.40am the following morning. Front and rear gardens with large open plan kitchen and dinning area perfect for the whole family! 020 8022 7092. Some of the issues then are still going, he says. The burnt out three-storey house was a reminder of the nature of the offence like an open wound scorched in the body of the city. Collectively, we remember the event as the New Cross massacre, where there has been no justice for 14 black young people. The house fire occurred during a party at a property on New Cross Road. As they marched with chants such as black people united will never be defeated, Hassan Howe recalls that people just joined in, swelling their ranks. The Guardian is keen to speak to survivors or descendants of survivors of the blaze. The New Cross Fire of 1981 is the subject of Steve McQueen's new documentary. ", - How 'New Cross Massacre' became reference point to how little value British institutions placed on black young lives, by author Alex Wheatle. This section lists the memorials where the subject on this page is commemorated: It began on the evening of Saturday, 17 January 1981, and continued throughout the night and into the early hours of Sunday, 18 January. If we take one lesson 40 years on it must be that black people united, will never be defeated. Forty years on, recalling the events seems vital, especially in this moment of renewed optimism after the Black Lives Matter protests, because the legacies of New Cross still resonate. Despite the eight-page briefing there have been no charges. He shattered 163 bones and has been classed as disabled ever since. Local call rate, 020 3910 0873 Smithyman had been jailed for killing his pregnant girlfriend 22-year-old April Sheridan and the contract killing of Terence Gayle. Died during the voyage bringing Cleopatra's Needle to London. Ten years before, in 1971, a Caribbean house party had been attacked by firebomb in Sunderland Road, in nearby Forest Hill, leaving 22 injured. Officers eventually concluded that the fire broke out at 5.40am beside an armchair inside the front room of the terraced house at 439 New Cross Road where Yvonne Ruddock, 16, one of the victims of the fire, had been having a joint birthday party with Angela Jackson, who survived. They chose a Monday to march from New Cross into central London to disrupt the working day. Throughout the entire day there was one flashpoint with the police at Blackfriars Bridge. His death was registered in the Greenwich registration district and he was buried in Lewisham on 11 February 1981. Some abandoned work for the day and thousands of school-age children took part. In need of some updating but would make a wonderful contemporary home. Cork tiles have been hand-stained and run throughout the apartment. Brockley, SE4. Self-help was key, building up education and community support to fill in the gaps left by the neglect of the state. The press the following day focused on pictures from Blackfriars Bridge with headlines such as When the black tide met the thin blue line (the Daily Mail), the Day the blacks ran riot in London (the Sun) and Rampage of a mob (Daily Express). Although it happened before I was born, the New Cross fire in 1981 and the National Black Peoples Day of Action that followed are landmarks in my identity; growing up in a Caribbean family in the 1980s, they are part of our collective memory. 1 Bathroom. Such a tragedy should have provoked national mourning but there was silence. Superbly located, this 4 bedroom semi-detached house offers access to a range of open spaces. The party was a joint birthday celebration for Yvonne Ruddock (one of the victims of the fire) and Angela Jackson (who survived) and was held at No. Thinking back now perhaps the most appropriate way to remember those lives cut short so cruelly is to renew a commitment and vigilance to challenging contemporary racism in all its forms. Support was so widespread that 50 of the 19,000 raised for the families came from black prisoners at Wormwood Scrubs. The only way to escape was to jump through the window on the first floor. It is ironic that the very gains the black power movement created in access to education, employment and society are the same factors that led many of us to look for alternatives to mass grassroots political activism. An imposing, semi-detached, 1,487 square feet, freehold property located on Amersham Road moments away from Goldsmiths University of London and New Cross station. The media were largely silent or supported the view that the black youngsters had caused the fire themselves. They claimed that the fire was ignited from inside. In 1971 a Caribbean house party had been attacked by a firebomb in Sunderland road, in nearby forest hill, leaving 22 injured. Kender Primary . Wayne Hayes, who was 17 at. Cecil Gutzmore, the academic and activist who was active in the mobilisations after the fire, explained to me that almost immediately victims became suspects. 112 yearsService Charge: approx. Open-Plan Reception. Greece train crash: Inside 10 seconds of terror after worst ever head-on smash sparks derailment blaze leaving 38 dead, Man, 43, died after being held down by security guards at Sainsbury's, Woman, 37, found dead in posh flat near racecourse as man charged with murder, Full list of school closures today as tens of thousands of teachers walk out how to check latest advice for parents, Independent Press Standards Organisation (IPSO). The weeks of planning paid off and more than 20,000 almost exclusively black protesters marched across London. Caribbean house parties were a particular target. The tragedy was an issue raised in Oscar-winning director Steve McQueens recent film Alex Wheatle, starring Sheyi Cole, about the writer who was sentenced to jail after the uprising. Nearby amenities. Home Office briefing documents seen by Mail on Sunday states: "It is suspected that Smithyman was the other person with [name removed for legal reasons] when the fire started and it is our belief he will admit his full complicity in the matter "He (the arsonist) describes the motive for the fire as a stupid prank purely to scare the partygoers because they had refused them entry to the party.". The text, photographs and floor plans are for general guidance only. The fragile relationship with the press was only further fractured with the coverage of the protest. Hassan Howe explained they were eager to make sure it was not a traditional leftwing demonstration where they marched, had no impact and then went back to their lives. The only time there was a sense of safety was when we were in church, a youth club or our parties and dances. He was based at theHyde Park Police Station when he was murdered. Local call rate, 020 3897 8494 As always you can unsubscribe at any time. Measuring over 3000 Sq Ft and currently arranged internally as four separate flats, this double fronted Victorian house requires complete refurbishment throughout. Gutzmore remembers that they were keen not to rush into the march, we needed to give ourselves time to organise and mobilise properly. For further details of our complaints policy and to make a complaint please click this link: thesun.co.uk/editorial-complaints/, The New Cross Fire caused devastation in January 1981, Families were left in mourning after 13 people died in the fire. In terms of property types, flats in SE14 6TA sold for an average of 303,486 and terraced houses for 580,471. Your responses are secure as the form is encrypted and only the Guardian has access to your contributions. National Rail services run to London Bridge in ten minutes. lthough it happened before I was born, the New Cross fire in 1981 and the National Black Peoples Day of Action that followed are landmarks in my identity; growing up in a Caribbean family in the 1980s, they are part of our collective memory. I went on the march and things. Paul Edward Ruddock was born on 19 November 1958 and in1980 he married Sandra J. Lagey (b.1959) in the Camberwell registration district. On 18 January 1981, a fire tore through 439 New Cross Road in south-east London, where Yvonne Ruddock was celebrating her 16th birthday with about 60 guests. The New Cross Massacre Action Committee was founded by the late Darcus Howe and John La Rose. It wouldnt be the last time that black young people would encounter murderous racism on the streets of south London. I assumed it was a kitchen fire and the party was over. Armza Ruddock whose children Yvonne and Paul both died, it was a racist attack and it is a widely held assumption in the black communities that the fire was started by fascists most likely using a petrol bomb. At the time, there was a fairly high degree of racial tension in the area and far-right groups, including the National Front, were active locally. Im not saying its a racist attack but the way the police handled it was racist. It presents excellent refurbishment potential, featuring a large garden, spacious accommodation, a study and a cellar. David Michael, the first black police officer to serve in Lewisham in the 1970s (New Cross is part of the borough), described the force as behaving like an occupying army. Endwell Road. Gutzmore dismisses the idea that the current moment is a time for optimism. A number of the survivors were detained for questioning and activists exposed how children were encouraged to sign false statements. Last modified on Wed 6 Jan 2021 05.31 EST This year will mark the 40th anniversary of the New Cross Fire, which occurred during a birthday party at 439 New Cross Road for Yvonne Ruddick. 23,831 brave WW2 seamen remembered on the monument at Tower Hill. Making the day a truly national event was a priority and Darcus Howe toured the country. This delightful end terrace Victorian property is packed with charm and has been extended into the side return to create a spacious family home. George Francis, Gerry's father and chair of the New Cross Parents' Committee, told BBC London: "Some people have gone mental through this fire. A few years later I interviewed a white young woman called Debbie. At over 2400 Sq Ft, this large and imposing three-storey Victorian home would make a fantastic family home. The response from the police at the time sparked frustration and anger within the community, which resulted in a flurry of political activity, including the march the Black Peoples Day of Action. Chants on the day included 13 dead and nothing said. At the time, it was exhilarating to feel the resistance, but on reflection there is a flipside. There were no-go areas for black people in London. Create a free website or blog at WordPress.com. His book The New Age of Empire: How Racism and Colonialism Still Rule the World will be published by Allen Lane on 4 February, Original reporting and incisive analysis, direct from the Guardian every morning. The house was packed with around 200 people and the party was in full swing. As someone who regularly engages in media debates I can certainly testify to this. Thirteen young people were killed, more than 50 injured and one guest Anthony Berbeck died two years later at the age of 20. The apartment has been comprehensively redesigned by architect and designer Dominic Weil. As one of the protesters insisted in Blood Ah Go Run, this is the beginning not the end. Covering over 2,100 sq ft, this house also benefits from a 100 ft rear garden & lower ground floor basement. Lewisham (London Borough) New Cross Road property for sale Property for sale in New Cross Road, London SE14 18 results Map view FEATURED 2 bed flat for sale 400,000 New Cross Road, New Cross Road SE14 2 1 1 Draw your search Pinpoint exactly where to live by using our SmartMaps search Draw your search New Homes The New Cross Massacre Action Committee (NCMAC) was set up, chaired by John La Rose, and organised weekly meetings in New Cross, which saw increasing participation as the police investigation announced that there was no evidence of arson and that the fire was believed to be accidental. Local call rate, 020 3909 6611 Cold Blow Farm was situated on the site of the Sanford Housing Cooperative and even after the Croydon Railway came in 1854 with its brick tunnel, most of this area of New Cross remained agricultural. In the aftermath of the fire, as my friends and I gazed at those precious lost lives, their images now adorned on placards and posters, we recognised their joy, aspiration and better tomorrows. One of our journalists will be in contact before we publish, so please do leave contact details. An opportunity to purchase this stunning end of terrace Victorian terrace house offering approximately 3,421 sq ft. 230,000. To see all content on The Sun, please use the Site Map. A location teeming with Old Street's tech-focuse contributors. September. Unfortunately, this is the approach many felt they took to the investigation of the New Cross fire. Full name | Length of occupancy | Telephone number* (*Where Available), Freehold No one has ever been charged in connection with the fire and the case remains unsolved, leading to a complete lack of faith in the official investigations. News Group Newspapers Limited in England No. Out of the ashes of this terrible tragedy came an unprecedented political mobilisation led by the families, the New Cross Massacre Action Committee and the wider black community. She said, If you dont go my mum will not let me go. Beat the energy price rises in New Cross Road, London SE14 6TA Yearly saving up to: 667 Detached house 532 Semi-detached house 473 End terrace house Compare energy deals Although the route had been agreed, the police erected a cordon as the march approached. Wayne Hayes who was 17 at the time, recalled the carnage in an interview from the HuffPost last year. Rare opportunity to purchase this substantial five bedroom semi detached Victorian house situated in the sought after Telegraph Hill Conservation area with superb views over London. The property is just over 2300 square feet, has beautiful natural proportions throughout, original features galore. The Modern House has not tested any services, Reluctantly, Magdalene agreed and they set off with Roselines boyfriend and Magdalenes brother Stephen. The initial police suspicion was that the party had been fire-bombed, either as a revenge attack or in an attempt to stop the noise - there was also an alternative theory that a fight had broken out, from which the blaze emanated. Get email updates with the day's biggest stories. New Cross station is two minutes on foot and runs London Overground services direct to Shoreditch, Dalston and Highbury and Islington. This is according to the current Zoopla estimates. Magdalene Edwards remembers the sound of the screams and the smell of the thick smoke as it billowed through the house. As much as the Black Lives Matter summer may seem like a new moment, an opportunity for dramatic change, we have been here before and looking back is essential to moving forward. in a house in New Cross, south London, a birthday party ended in a fire. Or by navigating to the user icon in the top right. Smithyman was 14 at the time and is claimed to have made the confessions between 1991 and 1993 during police interviews. There had also been some early complaints from neighbours about excessive noise from the party. Roseline said she was going back for her boyfriend. We will carefully consider any new information. On July 9 1983 in south London an absolute tragedy. To inquire about a licence to reproduce material, visit our Syndication site. Flat 13, Crossleigh Court 407b, . 439 New Cross Road New Cross, London, SE14 6TA We have occupancy information for 1 person based at this address from 2021 to 2022 from Edited Electoral Roll : Full name | Length of occupancy | Telephone number* (*Where Available) Find Who Lives Here Property Information The last sale of this property was before 1995. Taking on the police and winning was a key source of pride in the folklore of the march. People were saying it was the National Front that started the fire, he says. The house had been full the night before, with revellers celebrating the sixteenth birthday of Yvonne Ruddock and the eighteenth birthday of her friend Angela Jackson. Out of the meeting came the New Cross Massacre Action Campaign (NCMAC). 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