Part Two: Peter Rachman: King of the Slumlords
Summary
This episode of Behind the Bastards examines Peter Rockman, a notorious London slumlord who coined the term "Rockmanism" to describe his exploitative business practices. Hosts Robert and Sophie discuss how Rockman profited from the housing crisis faced by the Windrush generation by using racist tactics, such as hiring thugs and moving in non-white tenants, to force out white residents. The discussion covers the social unrest in Notting Hill, Rockman’s influence on other landlords, and his complex personal life, including his relationship with Mandy Rice-Davies.
Topics discussed
Introduction to Peter Rockman and Rockmanism
Host banter and guest introductions
Sponsor: Sniffy's Cruising Confessions
Post-war UK context and Windrush arrivals
Racism, housing shortage, and 'Europeans Only' ads
Rockman's business strategy and property acquisition
Enforcers: Michael X and violent tactics
Court testimonies: dogs, ear-biting, and threats
Immigrant perspective: Rockman as a 'savior'
Exploiting racial tensions and brutal evictions
Sponsors: IHeart Radio and Out of Character
Sponsor: Bloodline Crimes
Media manipulation and lack of altruism
The 'Are we insured?' incident and hidden tactics
The 1958 Notting Hill Riots
Rockman's role in inciting race hatred
Psychological profile and trauma from camps
Relationship with Mandy Rice-Davies
Sponsors: What Happened to Her and The Builders
Sponsor: Bloodline Crimes
Post-mortem fame and media scapegoating
Birth of British investigative journalism
The Profumo Affair connection
Political exploitation by Harold Wilson
Sensationalized reporting and anti-Semitic tropes
Journalists fabricating slum experiences
Modern BNP rhetoric and legacy
Housing laws and systemic manipulation
Current UK housing crisis comparison
Conclusion: Rockman as a dead scapegoat
Outro and host sign-off
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