Tweets from a riot. Tottenham Saturday evening 6th August 2011
I’ve lived in central Tottenham since 1992 (indeed I’m a born and bred North Londoner) and I still do (although since the pandemic has seen me more in Cardiff).
On Saturday night 6th August 2011 I had been out for a meal and drinks with my late partner Megan at the White Horse in Parsons Green. 15 years on (and these were the early days of craft beer in London) we’d have gone nearer home-quite probably in Tottenham itself.
I received a tweet from a friend noting that a riot was taking place in Tottenham with a picture of a burning car. It was perhaps not entirely unexpected (but riots are not predictable) following the police shooting of Mark Duggan two days earlier in Tottenham Hale just a few minutes walk from my Tottenham residence.
We headed back pronto and arrived back late evening. Below I’ve retrieved a few tweets I did at the time.
I should emphasise that I was endeavouring to make my way to my central Tottenham flat which I did safely, albeit there was considerable turmoil. Buses down Tottenham High Rd were diverting at High Cross so we had to walk from there- around 5 minutes. There were large crowds in the street, no police, and some things on fire.
As a socialist historian I’ve also researched the history of riots (there are many studies) and a collection of papers I edited was published as the History of Riots (2016).
I think however its unlikely that many who have written about riots have actually been in one..
Just been in Tottenham High Rd; Very serious situation. Buildings ablaze, no attempt being made to deal with fires 11.38pm Saturday 6th August 2011
btw for those not in Tottenham tonight a riot looks exciting but for those who live in central Tottenham as I do its not quite so romantic 12.14am Sunday 7th August 2011
For those who imagine central Tottenham is in total uproar tonight, I’m in my flat 5mins from riot area & it is completely peaceful outside 12.26am Sunday 7th August 2011
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