Author John le Carré - Credit: PA/Matt Crossick This year marks 150 years since the act of parliament protecting Hampstead Heath was passed and a call has been made to include John le Carré in the celebrations. The spy novelist – real name David Cornwell – died of pneumonia aged 89 in December. He split his time between Hampstead and Cornwall, and had a great affection for the Heath, which is protected as an open space by the Hampstead Heath Act in 1871. The act has been widely referenced in recent years, with some claiming it is contravened by the introduction of charges for swimming in the Ponds.