These Houses are Ours: Co-operative and community-led housing alternatives 1870-1919

Before the First World War, a housing movement in Britain delivered affordable homes through co-operative and community efforts. These models offer relevant solutions to the current housing crisis, with a focus on community-led initiatives and alternative approaches to social housing.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 214 pages
Publication date: 06 February 2023
Publisher: Gritstone Publishing

The years preceding the First World War witnessed the emergence of a significant housing movement in Britain, driven by cooperative and community efforts. This movement resulted in the provision of affordable homes at rents that working-class tenants could afford. The phenomenon extended across various regions, from Cornwall to central Scotland, Suffolk to South Wales. Working-class tenants eagerly moved into their newly constructed homes, fostering the creation of vibrant communities.

John Nettlefold, a housing reformer from Birmingham, aptly expressed this sentiment in 1914, stating that tenants might not possess individual houses, but collectively, they could claim ownership of the estates they inhabited. Many of these estates adopted innovative "garden village" principles as a radical departure from conventional urban streets characterized by high-density housing. These principles included the inclusion of community meeting rooms, allotments, sports facilities, and children's playgrounds.

Andrew Bibby's extensively researched book highlights the significance of this nearly forgotten history, as it closely mirrors the current interest in bottom-up community-led efforts to address housing needs. In the present context, Britain faces a housing crisis, and council housing, once the default means of providing affordable homes, is no longer sufficient. The alternative models for social housing developed more than a century ago offer valuable insights and solutions that are relevant to our contemporary challenges.

One of the key aspects of these models is their emphasis on community ownership and participation. Unlike traditional top-down approaches, where decisions about housing were made by government authorities or private developers, garden villages placed the power in the hands of the residents. This led to a sense of belonging and responsibility, as the community had a direct stake in the development and management of their homes.

Moreover, garden villages aimed to create sustainable and livable communities. They incorporated green spaces, such as parks and gardens, to promote physical and mental well-being. The design of the estates also prioritized walkability, reducing the need for car ownership and promoting a healthier lifestyle.

Another notable feature of garden villages was their focus on mixed-income housing. Unlike traditional housing developments that segregated different social groups, garden villages sought to create a diverse and inclusive community. This was achieved by mixing different types of housing, such as single-family homes, apartments, and social housing, to ensure that people from different backgrounds could live together harmoniously.

In conclusion, the housing movement that emerged before the First World War in Britain represents a remarkable example of community-driven efforts to address housing needs. The garden village principles adopted by these estates offer valuable insights and lessons for our contemporary society. As we face a housing crisis once again, it is essential to revisit these models and explore how they can be adapted to meet the needs of our communities. By promoting community ownership, sustainability, and mixed-income housing, we can create more inclusive and resilient housing systems that provide affordable homes for all.

Weight: 356g
Dimension: 157 x 235 x 23 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781913625085