Story of a Squat

There's no question that some sqatting is plain wrong, but sometimes you can't help but feel a bit of sympathy.

This elegant building (Bedford House in Quaker Street, E1) was built by a Quaker who had formed "the Society for Lessening the Causes of Juvenile Delinquency", much work was done to alleviate poverty among the local population and educational courses, lectures and religious meetings were held here. They moved out, it was converted for industrial use for several years but has stood empty for decades.

Last year a group of responsible squatters moved in, and undertook a lot of repairs. They turned the building into a cultural centre once again. Didn't take long though, until they were thrown out.

Now it stands empty again.