Humanists, Radicals and the Garden City movement. Guided Walk and Talk

## *Discover fascinating overlooked history on a guided tour of a beautiful corner of East London. With Maddy Goodall, head of [Humanist Heritage.](https://heritage.humanists.uk/)* ***(Organised in collaboration with Friends of Valentines Mansion. Limited numbers. A pre-booked ticket using event link below is essential).*** East London has for centuries been a hotbed of radicalism, non-conformism, and of the non-religious ethical movement. Feminist trailblazer Zona Vallance (1860-1904), born in Stratford, E15, helped found the East London Ethical Society in 1890. It promoted ‘a moral life independent of religious dogma’ and was a forerunner of Humanists UK. American philosopher Ralph Waldo Emerson (1803-1882) was an important influence. The ‘Ethical Church’ in Forest Gate, E7, also known as the Emerson Ethical Brotherhood, met at Earlham Hall on Earlham Grove roughly between 1902-1922. Celebrating and enjoying the natural world in the here and now was key, with the ‘Church’ organising weekly Sunday outings to Epping Forest. This was a time when 6 day working weeks were standard and urban conditions were grim for most. The radical and progressive Garden City movement sprang from this background. Letchworth and Welwyn Garden are prominent examples. They have influenced developments worldwide from New Jersey to Adelaide and beyond. The guided walk and talk will look at the largely forgotten example of Valentines Park and the beautiful arts and crafts buildings on its border.