Our Common Land
And Other Short Essays

This book, published in 1877, sets out Hill's views on helping poor city dwellers improve their quality of life.

Octavia Hill (Author)

9781108024587, Cambridge University Press

Paperback / softback, published 17 February 2011

220 pages
21.6 x 14 x 1.3 cm, 0.29 kg

'A fundamental work for debates about open spaces and common land, yet this is also a key text on volunteer charity work, methods of district visiting, neighbourliness, and the meaning of 'citizenship'. This is essential reading in any historical discussion about 'the big society'.' Professor K. D. M. Snell, University of Leicester

Octavia Hill (1838–1912) is today best remembered as one of the founders of the National Trust. However, her involvement in education and social reform, and particularly housing, was a large part of her work. Shocked at the poverty and overcrowding she found in London slums, she began to acquire and improve properties which would restore the tenants' dignity and self-respect. She organised a team of volunteer 'district visitors' to help the residents, and especially children, to achieve a better quality of life, including the provision of open spaces and recreational amenities. This book of essays and talks, first published in 1877, sets out the principles of this work. She emphasises the importance of access to the countryside for the health of city dwellers, and of creating green areas in towns, and she gives advice to volunteers about helping people to help themselves, rather than doling out money.

1. Our common land
2. District visiting
3. A few words to volunteer visitors among the poor
4. A more excellent way of charity
5. A word on good citizenship
6. Open spaces
7. Effectual charity
8. The future of our commons.

Subject Areas: Social & cultural history [HBTB]