Speakers' Corner is on the north east edge of the park, nearest Marble Arch and Oxford Street. To find it, head for the green refreshment kiosk.
At this spot, about 250 years ago, people were still being hanged at the infamous Tyburn Gallows. The gallows were installed in 1196 and by the time they were dismantled in 1783 more than 50, 000 people had been executed here. Everyone condemned to die at Tyburn could make a final speech. Some confessed; others protested their innocence or criticised the authorities. For onlookers, executions at Tyburn were big social events. Londoners could by a ticket to watch executions from a seat on huge wooden platforms. Eventually, the authorities decided the hangings were too rowdy and transferred them to Newgate Prison.
But the tradition for protest and pleasure in Hyde Park continued. In 1872, an act of parliament set aside this part of the park for public speaking. It became known as Speakers' Corner and you can still see people making speeches here on Sundays.
