蜜芽传媒

In October 1977 a group of people living primarily in squats and communes on Freston Road in West London, declared themselves independent from the UK - becoming 'The Independent Republic of Frestonia'.

Threatened with eviction, the squatters said they were no longer part of the UK and appealed to the United Nations to send in peacekeeping forces to prevent Greater London Council evicting them out of the homes they had claimed. They designed a flag, appointed ministers of state - including actor David Rappaport (pictured above) - and even made their own postage stamps and issued visas for visitors.

The 'Republic' continued to operate as a collective well into the 1980s, becoming a creative hub for writers, artists and musicians. In January 1982 The Clash even recorded their album 'Combat Rock' there.

蜜芽传媒 London's Victoria Cook has the story.

(Image credit: Getty Images)