Octavia Hillová bola anglická sociálna reformátorka, ktorá sa v druhej polovici 19. storočia zamerala na blaho obyvateľov miest, najmä Londýna. Vyrastala v nepriaznivých podmienkach a už od 14 rokov pracovala v prospech pracujúcich. Bola hybnou silou rozvoja sociálneho bývania, kde presadzovala osobný kontakt s nájomníkmi a podporu ich sebestačnosti. Zasazovala sa tiež o zachovanie otvorených priestranstiev pre chudobných a spoluzaložila National Trust na ochranu historických miest a prírodnej krásy.
In this short essay, Hill sets out a clear, concise argument for public access to parks, and argues for the rights we now take for granted. Our Common Land is a forgotten part of our cultural history, and demonstrates exactly why the founders of the National Trust thought it was so important to preserve ancient buildings and estates for the public.
Focusing on urban poverty and housing conditions in Victorian London, this landmark work by Octavia Hill provides a detailed examination of the struggles faced by the city's working-class residents. Through thorough research and personal accounts, Hill highlights the dire living situations in tenements and advocates for slum clearance and improved sanitation. Her passionate commitment to social justice urges society to address systemic injustices, inspiring future activists and policymakers to pursue housing reform and equality. The book serves as a powerful call to action for compassion and solidarity in combating poverty.