O’Connorville (Heronsgate) was a Chartist Land Settlement near Rickmansworth in North-West London.
Chartist small holdings were allocated by (not all that legal) ballot. Most of the original dwellings can still be seen, largely now luxury houses. The pub opposite the Settlement, The Land of Liberty, Peace and Plenty remains open. Chartist leader Feargus O’Connor banned Land Plan allottees from going there, how successfully is another matter.
Below is a report from the Chartist Northern Star newspaper (4th January 1851) of a Boxing Day Party. Boxing Day did not become a bank holiday until 1871/75 but was clearly a holiday for some well before that
CHRISTMAS AT O’CONNORVILLE. On Thursday, December 26th, the whole of the Allottees, with their wives and families, met together at the School-room, and partook of tea and other refreshments. After the repast Mr. Ratcliffe was called to the chair, and the following sentiments were spoken to by Messrs. T. M. Wheeler, G. Wheeler, Griffith, Sturgeon, and Paris:—” The People’s Charter;” ” F. O’Connor, Esq., the People’s Champion ;” •’ Kossuth, Mazzini, and the Democrats of all nations;” “the Northern Star and the Democratic Press generally;” ” the Land Plan” and “the Ladies.” …….At the conclusion of the meeting a vote of thanks was given to the Chairman, and a round of cheers or Mr. O’Connor. Dancing, singing and other Christmas amusements were then heartily indulged in until an early hour of the morning, when all retired to their homes
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