Broadwater Farm Uprising: 40 Years On
Today marks the fortieth anniversary of the Broadwater Farm disturbance, a pivotal moment in Tottenham’s history and a reminder of the resilience and resistance of its residents. This anniversary is a moment to pause, not simply to remember the events, but to honour the people and the legacies that have shaped both Tottenham and our wider understanding of justice and community.
On October 6th, 1985, tragedy and outrage converged on the Broadwater Farm Estate following the death of Cynthia Jarrett, who suffered a fatal heart attack during a police search at her home, sparked by the controversial arrest of her son, Floyd Jarrett. The grief and anger that swept through the community ignited clashes with police, resulting in the death of PC Blakelock, and launching Tottenham into national headlines.
The Broadwater Farm uprising was not an isolated event, echoing earlier unrest in places like Brixton, and reflecting deep-rooted anger about unfair treatment and institutional racism. The police response and subsequent actions intensified the community’s sense of injustice, especially in the wake of Cynthia Jarrett’s death, and the wrongful convictions of three residents for the death of PC Blakelock, later coined as the Tottenham Three.
Bernie Grant, then leader of Haringey Council and later Tottenham’s MP, became a prominent figure during and after the uprising. Bernie didn’t shy away from holding both the council and national leaders to account, demanding real recognition of the community’s experiences and pain, demanding that they seriously address the deep social problems exposed by the unrest.
Though his remarks in defense of Tottenham’s youth were misquoted, Grant’s stance earned the loyalty of many locals even as it drew criticism from officials and media. His voice was a voice that spoke up for Tottenham. He championed grassroots campaigns, stood by families fighting for justice, and worked tirelessly to ensure no one’s story was forgotten.
Bernie believed in change shaped by, and for, local people, working tirelessly with local campaigns, such as the Broadwater Defence Campaign, to fight miscarriages of justice, and later established the Parliamentary Black Caucus to give a stronger voice to Black Britons.
The aftermath saw hundreds of arrests, years of tension, and persistent community pain. Yet local residents, including those supported by Bernie Grant, mobilised for real change, challenging wrongful convictions of the Tottenham Three and demanding reforms in policing, local governance, and housing.
Forty years on, the lessons of 1985 echo in calls for racial justice, police accountability, and community investment today. Tottenham’s history reminds everyone of the need to listen, to understand, and to honour those affected by the unrest. The legacy of Bernie Grant and the community’s resilience continue to shape the work of organisations like the Bernie Grant Arts Centre: fostering dialogue, remembering the past with care, and striving for a future of genuine equality, safety, and respect.
This anniversary serves as a time for reflection, empathy, and renewed commitment to justice and harmony within Tottenham and beyond. In sharing these memories, we keep the possibility of change alive, for our community, and for generations still to come.