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Islington Tribune - by PETER GRUNER
Published: 29 February 2008

Peter on one of his popular history trails

Islington’s literary history man dies

Peter Powell – loss of a ‘larger than life character’

THE irrepressible historian, actor and campaigner Peter Powell died quietly in his sleep at his home in Canonbury on Wednesday night. He was 74.
This week family and friends were stunned by the loss of one of the borough’s most charismatic and energetic personalities.
He was former Labour councillor between 1982-86 and chairman then of the Brighter Islington campaign set up to promote the borough.
But it was his world famous walks which were regarded by many as single handedly championing Islington’s colourful and often murderous history.
For more than 20 years he walked the length and breadth of the borough pointing out the haunts of the likes of George Orwell, Charles Dickens, John Betjeman, Joe Orton and Trotsky.
A combination of formidable acting skills – he was a professional actor in his younger days – and his remarkable memory made his talks always exciting and colourful.
As chairman of the Islington Archaeological and History Society, Peter inspired all who met him.
Founder member of the Islington Society Harley Sherlock said: “He was a larger than life character. I disagreed with him over a lot of things but he worked really hard promoting the literary history in the borough. His walks were incredibly popular.
“I’ve heard of Americans who would join his walks again and again because they were so good.”
His widow Judith said a funeral was being arranged but no date had yet been set.
“The whole thing was a terrible shock,” she said. “But I suppose at least he went quietly in his sleep.”
She said that Peter suffered from heart disease and diabetes but he had not been particularly unwell.
A post-mortem was being held today.
There were messages of sympathy from Islington North MP Jeremy Corbyn and tenants rights campaigner John Worker.
Mr Corbyn said: “I had met up with Peter a couple of days ago and he was planning to come up to the House of Commons. I’m deeply shocked. We shall all miss him.”
Peter Powell also leaves two daughters Imogen and Cordelia.

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