Apsley House, one of London’s most iconic homes and a symbol of British heritage, has become an unexpected backdrop for a growing migrant encampment.
Dozens of Eastern European and African migrants have pitched tents on a narrow strip of grass outside the 250-year-old Grade I-listed building, home to Charles Wellesley, the 80-year-old Duke of Wellington.
A Shock to Locals and Tourists
Photos and reports from the area show the encampment spilling along the southeast corner of Hyde Park.
Some migrants have reportedly urinated in public, while others have clashed with police.
The camp sits in full view of the five-star Intercontinental Hotel and the Wellington Monument, creating a stark contrast between wealth and homelessness in one of London’s most prestigious neighborhoods.
Rising Tensions and Police Incidents
Local residents and business owners complain of theft, aggressive behavior, and public defecation near the house.
During a Daily Mail visit, police were seen arresting a 23-year-old woman for alleged threats to kill other residents.
Two men were also detained—one for possession of a knife and a piece of glass, and another for fighting and threatening others.
The camp currently consists of around a dozen tents, but locals say the number has steadily grown over the past year.
Living Conditions on the Grass Strip
The tents back directly onto Apsley House’s walls, with string lines attached to the rails.
Mattresses, cushions, drying racks, and rubbish are scattered across the small patch of greenery.
A child’s shoe hangs from one of the tents, illustrating that families may also be living there.
One local business owner lamented, “They cause absolute misery. They just make such a beautiful area look terrible.”
Wider Patterns Across London
The Hyde Park Corner site is not the only area affected.
Migrant encampments have appeared across central London, including Park Lane, Tottenham Court Road, and behind West End theaters near the Strand.
Many of these informal settlements resemble makeshift villages, with pallets for raising tents, cooking equipment, and personal belongings scattered along streets.
Residents include a mix of migrants from the Middle East, Romania, Bulgaria, and a small number of homeless Britons.
Challenges of Enforcement
The grass outside Apsley House is managed by The Royal Parks, which lacks authority to remove the tents.
Westminster City Council also cannot enforce park regulations, leaving the Metropolitan Police as the only body able to act.
“We have more people experiencing rough sleeping than any other part of the country,” a council spokesperson said, emphasizing the complexity of the issue and ongoing efforts to provide help.
Security Concerns and Public Safety
Officers were called to a disturbance at the site in mid-November, leading to three arrests.
No one was injured, but the incident highlights safety concerns in the area.
Despite visible police presence, locals report that tents continue to grow, leaving business owners and residents frustrated at the ongoing disruption.
Wealth and History in Contrast
Apsley House, opened as a museum and art gallery managed by English Heritage, showcases centuries of British history, while just outside, the tents represent the harsh realities of London’s homeless population.
The Duke of Wellington resides in a private section of the house, while his daughter, Lady Charlotte Wellesley, is among the wealthiest young women in the UK.
The encampment underscores the sharp contrast between historic wealth and contemporary social issues.
Seeking a Long-Term Solution
English Heritage, The Royal Parks, and Westminster City Council are reportedly working together to find a resolution.
“Everyone wants to see a safe, long-term solution to issues at this site,” a council spokesperson said.
The Met Police remain the only authority with the power to enforce regulations, and the situation continues to unfold as authorities explore ways to manage the growing encampment.
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