Short History

Engels moved into 122 Regent’s Park Road in 1870. This period was a significant phase in Engels' life and marked his extensive involvement in political activities, intellectual pursuits, and personal relationships.

Engels lived here at the time of his political, economic, and theoretical maturity. Effectively, it was here where he finally synthesised his, and Marx’s, ideas. 

Jennie Marx, Karl’s wife, was the one who found the house and suggested that Engels buy it, writing, “I have now found a house, which charms all of us because of its wonderful open situation. It is next to Primrose Hill, so all the front rooms have the finest and openest view and air. And round about, in the side streets, there are shops of all sorts, so your wife will be able to buy everything herself.”

Marx lived nearby with his family in Kentish Town: “with the Marx family now installed just up the road, there followed a golden period of socialist thought, punctuated by frequent picnics on Hampstead Heath.”

Engels set about to make the house a hub for socialists, philosophers, activists, authors and many more to discuss and exchange ideas.

The Trust aims to restore this legacy and encourage more people to learn about Engels' works and life.