Shrabani Basu, author of ‘Spy Princess: The Life of Noor Inayat Khan,’ expressed her gratitude for the residents’ decision: “It is wonderful that the residents of Camden voted to name the housing block after Noor Inayat Khan; the people of Camden have truly taken Noor to heart, and she is known and loved in the borough.”
A council housing block in north London has been officially named Noor Inayat Khan House, paying tribute to the British Indian spy and descendant of Tipu Sultan. The decision resulted from a ballot among residents who chose from a shortlist of historical figures associated with the area, PTI reported.
The unveiling ceremony, attended by local Labour Party MP and Opposition leader Keir Starmer, Noor Inayat Khan’s biographer Shrabani Basu, as well as Camden Council leaders and residents, marked a significant moment. Camden was the borough where Noor lived with her family before embarking on her courageous journey to Nazi-occupied France in 1943. Her role as an undercover radio operator for Britain’s Special Operations Executive (SOE) made her the first woman to be parachuted behind enemy lines during World War II.
Shrabani Basu, author of ‘Spy Princess: The Life of Noor Inayat Khan,’ expressed her gratitude for the residents’ decision: “It is wonderful that the residents of Camden voted to name the housing block after Noor Inayat Khan; the people of Camden have truly taken Noor to heart, and she is known and loved in the borough.”
During the unveiling ceremony, Basu emphasized Noor Inayat Khan’s enduring values, stating, “Today, let us take away her message for peace and harmony.” Noor’s legacy as a Sufi who believed in religious tolerance, non-violence, and peace between nations was highlighted, providing a poignant reminder of these values in a world marked by conflict and division.
Councillor Danny Beales, Camden Council Cabinet Member for New Homes, Jobs, and Community Investment, highlighted the community’s role in shaping the legacy of their surroundings: “Residents have shaped the legacy of where they live by helping to choose three remarkable figures from our local community to name their new buildings after
The Noor Inayat Khan House is part of a broader social housing project aimed at delivering more affordable homes in London. Keir Starmer, reflecting on the project, emphasized its significance beyond bricks and mortar: “This isn’t just about some bricks and some windows and a roof; this is about life chances, aspiration and equal opportunity for everyone.”
As part of Camden Council’s commitment to diversity in public spaces, the housing project includes three residential buildings at the Maitland Park redevelopment, each named after prominent local figures. In addition to Noor Inayat Khan, the blocks commemorate Mary Prince, the first black woman to have an autobiography published in Britain, and Antony Grey, an LGBTQ activist whose work contributed to the decriminalization of homosexuality for men.
Councillor Danny Beales, Camden Council Cabinet Member for New Homes, Jobs, and Community Investment, highlighted the community’s role in shaping the legacy of their surroundings: “Residents have shaped the legacy of where they live by helping to choose three remarkable figures from our local community to name their new buildings after.”
The Maitland Park redevelopment in Haverstock represents the latest milestone in Camden’s ongoing efforts to address housing needs, with a substantial investment of GBP 1.3 billion committed to building new homes for residents. This project stands as a testament to the community’s recognition of historical figures and their shared commitment to diversity and inclusivity.
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