Enquiries: info@belsize.org.uk
Enquiries: info@belsize.org.uk
We are indebted to David S. Percy – a distinguished film-maker and author living in Belsize Park – for his two fabulous and highly acclaimed films about Belsize and the surrounding areas.
We also thank David for making available some other of his films from his Belsize Village website –
and we have included a quaint short from 1968 by Douglas Hickox.
Narrated by Fiona Bruce
Directed by David S Percy
A trailer to this must-see pair of films highlighting the extraordinary richness of this area, its history and its people.
1min 45sec streamed here
Narrated by Fiona Bruce
Directed by David S Percy
Combining its fascinating historical background with a present-day architectural tour, The Belsize Story records the evolution of Belsize Park right up to the present day, featuring the buildings, the beautiful settings and most importantly, its people.
120min - stream free here.
Narrated by Fiona Bruce
Directed by David S Percy
Covering the Eton College Estate, the Fitzjohn’s/ Netherhall area – plus the part located on the eastern side of Haverstock Hill. Highlighting architectural details as well as conversations with local residents and other expert contributors.
120min - stream free here.
Selected readings from the book by Sir Derek Jacobi at the launch event in 2017 at St Stephen's Church
Compiled by Ranee Barr and David Percy, edited by F. Peter Woodfood and with a foreword by Sir Derek Jacobi. Published by Aulis, London.
Life in Belsize Park, London, as remembered by residents. BELSIZE Remembered is a collection of memories of life past and present in Belsize Park – engaging, at times moving personal accounts that together show how the area evolved from the 1930s to the present. They depict many different aspects of life in a part of London that in the 20th century underwent radical changes. From the story of the world’s oldest Holocaust survivor to memories of artists and musicians as well as once favourite shops, pubs and places of entertainment, these reminiscences capture the flavour of what old hands and relative newcomers relish about where they live.
Available from Daunts, Haverstock Hill and Daunts, South End Road. Also at www.belsizestory.com and www.belsizevillage.co.uk.
David S. Percy.
Foreword by Dan Cruickshank.
Moll King is brought to life as Dame Janet Suzman reads from this captivating account of the remarkable life of ‘Moll’ King, an 18th century madam, an ambitious woman who rose from humble beginnings in the streets of St. Giles to become one of the first settlers in Belsize Park.
Available from Daunts, Haverstock Hill and Daunts, South End Road. Also at www.belsizevillage.co.uk.
By Helen Marcus. Published by Camden History Society, jointly with the Heath & Hampstead Society.
A highly entertaining and informative 60 min presentation by Helen Marcus, Vice President, The Heath & Hampstead Society.
Saving Hampstead Heath is said to be the first great conservation battle of modern times.
Available from Daunts, Haverstock Hill
By David S. Percy
This is the visual story of how St Stephen's was saved for the community.
Nathaniel Mander provides the soundtrack on the harpsichord filmed in St Stephen's.
By David S. Percy
This short film from 2012 features cyclists young and old riding around Belsize Park.
Inspired by the 1968 film 'Les Bicyclettes de Belsize' (see below). The title song, "Les Bicyclettes de Belsize," was written by Les Reed and Barry Mason and sung by Englebert Humperdinck.
3min 20sec
The 1968 short film 'Les Bicyclettes de Belsize' was actually filmed in Hampstead and never quite reached Belsize!
The film was directed by Douglas Hickox and stars Judy Huxtable and Anthony May.
It is a musical love story about a young man who falls in love with a model from a picture and then searches for her on his bicycle. It was said to be a parody of 'Les Parapluies de Cherbourg'
The title song, "Les Bicyclettes de Belsize," was written by Les Reed and Barry Mason and was originally sung by Englebert Humperdinck.
27min
Made by David S. Percy for European Architectural Heritage Year, 1975, this film celebrates one of the first garden suburbs - Hampstead Garden Suburb - which began its story in 1906. A little out of our area but still well worth watching and splendidly narrated by Donald Sinden.
39min
The sad story of a disastrous liaison set at The Washington, England's Lane, during a football match with an ironically upbeat Latin flavour.
A painful breakup in Belsize Park (just one mention of the place: 'Do you remember? The loving on the floor in Belsize Park')
