The Archive Hour

Henry Bonsu recalls the Notting Hill riots of August 1958. At 9 Blenheim Crescent, known as Fortress Totobag, fighting between West Indians and teddy boys reached a peak on Monday September 1. The cafe acted as a community centre and information bureau for newcomers to the area, but also served as a gambling den and Caribbean music venue. As white hostility to the growing black presence grew, tensions erupted into violence. Contributors include Velma Davis, Clarence Thompson, Marika Sherwood and Alex Pascall.