Harry Hallowes | |
|---|---|
 Hallowes in 2007 | |
| Born | c. 1936 |
| Died | 2016 (aged 79–80) |
| Nationality | Irish |
Harry Hallowes (bornc. 1936, died 2016), also known asHarry the Hermit, was an Irishman who became famous for living in a camp onHampstead Heath in north London. When property developers tried to evict him, he successfully claimedadverse possession. After his death, aromantic comedy calledHampstead was made about his life.
Hallowes was born inCounty Sligo, Ireland, around 1936 and moved to London in the 1950s.[1] He was evicted from hiscouncil flat inHighgate in 1987 and then set up a makeshift camp in a corner of Hampstead Heath nearAthlone House, supporting himself by doing odd jobs for locals such as the directorTerry Gilliam.[2][3] When property developers tried to evict him, he successfully claimed title to the land byadverse possession having lived there for over 12 years.[4] He was awarded title to the half-acre plot of land in 2007.[5]
Hallowes died in February 2016.[6] Hallowes left the half-acre plot to two homelessness charities (Shelter andCentrepoint) and following his death the land was auctioned.[7][5] The plot sold for £154,000 which was significantly less than estimates that had been speculatively reported in the press. This was due to an agreement that is over 100 years old which prevents construction on the site.[5]
In 2017, aromantic comedy calledHampstead was based on Hallowes' experience. In the film, actorBrendan Gleeson played the part of a hermit on Hampstead Heath, who is befriended by an American widow played byDiane Keaton.[1][8][9]
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