Video transcript: 25 Fitzroy Square
January 1927, number 25, Fitzroy Square. Whilst an unsuspecting building on the outside, the basement flat of number 25 was home of Bobby Britt and Constance Berg, who have regular parties for their friends. Partying into the early hours of the morning, the flat became a safe space for queer individuals.
However, unbeknownst to the pair and their friends, the basement flat had been under observation for a while. After Spencer’s account, a police sergeant involved in the observation of the flat details events from the 11th of December to the 15th of January, with minute details like the language guests used being recorded. Police constables would stand near windows or even on the landing inside the flat during these observations.
On the 16th of January, the flat was raided, with its occupants being charged with running a disorderly house. As being gay wasn’t a crime in itself, and faced with the challenges of proving the guests had actually committed a crime, the police and courts
would often use this charge to accuse the guests of behaviour which had either caused nuisance or outraged public indecency.
Bobby was charged with this and sentenced to 15 months hard labour. The most surprising detail of this story is the complete invasion of a private space. The charge used was often exclusively reserved to sentence those visiting queer clubs like the Caravan Club on Endell Street in the 1930s.
The file recording the trial of the individuals visiting Fitzroy Square includes a number of letters, one from a person named Eric to Bert. The letter includes the line, ‘I believe there is nothing possible which could be greater than real, honest-to-God love,’ his words reminding us that queer love is simply just love.