Hackney: A Vibrant and Historic Borough in East London

Although Hackney sits in the heart of the busy East End, we should not forget that this area was once a tiny rural series of hamlets. It became popular with medieval royals as an area close to London where they could relax and enjoy outdoor life. Over the years, Hackney developed into one of the most cosmopolitan parts of London.

Rich in history, there are also plenty of things to see and do if you come to E8 for a visit.

Visit Historic Hackney

Hackney Ocean Library.
Hackney, East London
Tarquin Binary, CC BY-SA 2.5
creativecommons.org

Hackney was a rural area close to, but not part of, central London life for many centuries. The location was rich in woodland and marshes, and the few people who lived here probably worked the land to provide food for Roman London. The area’s name is thought to come from a Saxon settlement dating back to the 5th or 6th centuries. At this point, Hackney was known as Haca’sey, a word that means high ground in marshland owned by Haca, a local Dane landowner. The first records of the area calling it Hackney, came about in 1198.

Places to Visit in East End London

For many years, Hackney itself was considered to be part of Stepney, and it was too small to be significant in its own right; however, the town started to develop in Tudor times. Courtiers and rich Londoners tended to move outside the city during this period into East End areas such as Hackney, where they could get more space. Henry VIII even built a palace nearby. Before this time, much of the land in the area had belonged to religious orders. Henry VIII’S Dissolution of the Monasteries freed up this land which often fell into the hands of his courtiers and favoured nobles.

Many of these nobles settled here on either a permanent or a temporary basis, building impressive homes. One of these homes, Sutton House, is still standing and is open to visitors. This home was built by Sir Ralph Sadleir, a senior advisor to Henry VIII who also worked with Thomas Cromwell. You can also see a fine example of church architecture in St Augustine’s Tower from this period.

Hackney in Victorian Times

Hackney continued to expand slowly over the next few years but remained relatively quiet with much of the local industry still focused on market gardening. By the late 1700s, however, its population had increased so much that it outgrew its local parish church, resulting in the need to build a new one. By the 20th century, Hackney, like much of the East End, was more urban, industrial and commercial, and it started a slow decline into relative poverty.

Hackney Downs C 1905
sludgegulper, CC BY-SA 2.0
creativecommons.org
via Wikimedia Commons

Victorian officials demolished much of the original buildings in the area to build streets of terraced houses to home local workers. When the railways arrived in Hackney in the 1850s, the area had lost its rural charm and was becoming much more urban. By the late 1890s, the area was split into boroughs, creating the metropolitan borough of Hackney. The area suffered badly in the Second World War, and after the war, local businesses started to relocate, causing significant problems with unemployment. Regeneration initiatives over the years have greatly improved the local area and its facilities.

Hackney in WW2

The German Luftwaffe heavily bombed Hackney during the Blitz, which lasted from September 1940 to May 1941. Many buildings, including schools, flats, factories and churches, were destroyed or damaged.

Hackney residents endured many hardships and dangers during the air raids, such as blackouts, gas masks, rationing, evacuation and shelters. Some people stayed in their homes or under Morrison shelters, while others went to public shelters or underground stations.

Hackney also witnessed many acts of bravery and heroism during the Blitz, such as firemen, ambulance drivers, wardens, volunteers and civilians who helped rescue people from the rubble, put out fires, and provide first aid and comfort. Some people were awarded medals for their courage.

Hackney also experienced social and cultural changes during WW2, as new communities moved into the borough after the war. Hackney became more diverse and multicultural, with immigrants from various countries and backgrounds. I hope this summary gives you an overview of Hackney in WW2 1940s.

Home Guard

One of the most famous stories from Hackney during World War II is the story of the Hackney Home Guard. The Home Guard was a volunteer force of civilians trained to defend their country in the event of an invasion. The Hackney Home Guard was particularly active during the Blitz when the town was heavily bombed.

The Hackney Home Guard comprised people from all walks of life. There were young men and older men, women and children. They came from all parts of the town and had all sorts of jobs. But they all had one thing in common: they were determined to defend their home.

The Hackney Home Guard was a very effective force. They were able to help the police and the army to defend the town from the German bombers. They also helped to keep morale up in the city during the difficult times of the Blitz.

The Hackney Home Guard is a proud part of Hackney’s history. They are a symbol of the determination and resilience of the people of Hackney.

Things to do and see in Hackney

Hackney Museum is a good place to visit if you want to learn more about the area and its culturally diverse population over the years. The museum is also home to one of the coins found in the Hackney Hoard.

Hackney Empire, East London History.
Hackney Empire, East London History.

Sir Ralph Sadleir’s home, Sutton House, is still standing. The National Trust now owns it and gives an unusual snapshot view of what it must have been like to live in the area in Tudor times. The house retains fantastic Tudor and Georgian architecture, features and internal fittings. St Augustine’s Tower is another fine example of medieval architecture. You can go up the tower on certain days and get a fantastic view over Hackney and the East End.

You can also see one of London’s most famous theatres – the Hackney Empire. This was one of the major music halls in the East End for many years, playing host to several famous Brits who went on to global superstar status, including Charlie Chaplin, Stan Laurel and WC Fields.

Hackney Marshes, East London.
Hackney Marshes
creativecommons.org

Parts of Hackney Marshes, a large open area best known for its sports facilities, were incorporated into the Olympic Park built in the East End for the 2012 Olympic Games. The Olympic Park is now open to the public and well worth visiting. Kids may also enjoy a visit to Hackney City Farm, and shoppers should visit the area’s famous Broadway Market.

The Best Places to Eat in Hackney

Hackney is a vibrant and diverse borough in east London, and there are many great places to eat. Here are a few of my favourites:

  • Angelina: This Italian-Japanese restaurant serves up delicious, innovative, and traditional dishes. The five-plate tasting menu is a great way to sample a variety of their offerings.
  • Morito: This Moroccan restaurant is a great place to go for a casual meal with friends. The mezze dishes are perfect for sharing, and the atmosphere is lively and fun.
  • The Duke of Richmond: This French restaurant is a great option for a special occasion. The menu features classic dishes like steak frites and coq au vin, and the wine list is extensive.
  • Cornerstone: This seafood restaurant is a great place to go for a fresh and delicious meal. The fish is cooked to perfection, and the sides are always flavorful.
  • Arepa & Co. Haggerston: This Venezuelan restaurant is a great place to go for a casual meal. The arepas are delicious, and the toppings are endless.

The Best Places to Drink in Hackney

Hackney is also home to a great many bars and clubs, making it a great place to go for a night out. Here are a few of my favourites:

  • The Ridley Road Market Bar: This bar is located in the heart of Ridley Road Market, and it’s a great place to go for a drink and a bite to eat. The atmosphere is lively and fun, and the drinks are always reasonably priced.
  • The Black Rock: This whisky bar is a great place to go for a drink if you’re a fan of the brown stuff. The bar has a wide selection of whiskies from all over the world, and the staff are always happy to help you find the perfect drink for your taste.
  • The Hackney Wick: This bar is located in the heart of Hackney Wick, and it’s a great place to go for a drink and a dance. The atmosphere is relaxed and casual, and the music is always on point.
  • The Shacklewell Arms: This pub is a great place to go for a drink if you’re looking for a traditional British pub experience. The pub has a wide selection of beers and ciders, and the food is always delicious.
  • The Duke of Wellington: This pub is a great place to go for a drink if you’re looking for a more lively atmosphere. The pub has a wide selection of cocktails and spirits, and the music is always on point.

21 thoughts on “Hackney: A Vibrant and Historic Borough in East London”

  1. I was born in Hackney Hospital on 2nd September 1954. Mother and father moved to elsewhere when I was still very young. When I was 6 years old my mother and father parted and I was adopted out. I had a sister Georgina who was 12 months older then me. Have been looking for her for many years but had no luck as I am now living in Australia. At my adoption my name was changed from Anne Jennifer Bailey.

    Reply
  2. I was born in Hackney in 1969, to parents Francis and Mary Everiste-Devaux. They owned a lovely home on Median Road at the time. Mum worked in Hackney Hospital.

    Reply
  3. My last name is Hackney & I was wondering if anyone knew the history of Hackneys that moved to the U.S. in the 1700s I have been to Hackney & praying to return. I feel a strange connection to the area.!!!

    Reply
    • Im also a hackney and never knew this place existed i’ve only begun trying to figure out my family history but this here is really cool to find out

  4. Steve Wardell that could be right.There is a plaque about Hackney Marshes in the woods nearby. Military excersises did take place there it says.

    Reply
  5. My grandmother was born in Hackeny en 1908. It was a beginning of a long journey of life around the world. I dream of the day when I can walk through the streets where she lived her childhood.

    Reply
  6. I was born in the Women’s Hospital in Hackney, my parents lived in Leyton until we three immigrated to Vancouver, Canada in 1953 travelling by boat across the Atlantic and train across Canada. I was very young then and don’t remember much about my early years in London. I few memories of those years but when 22 travelled back to England with my mom and revisited Leyton and various areas of that area which I vaguely remembered – like the route to my grandparents which I did remember accurately without any help – Palamos Road to Brunswick Road. Attended Sybourne Street School in Leyton, if anyone else remembers it. Sorry not much about Hackney.
    Do folks know Irdis Elba was born in Hackney?

    Reply
  7. I was born in 1951 and lived in a top floor flat on the Kingsmead Estate in Hackney, until about 1954.
    I have a memory of seeing what I presume were practice parachute drops of troops over Hackney Marshes. I’ve never been sure if it was a true memory or one of those that you dream up and remember so often that you believe it’s true.
    Does anyone else remember if this happened?

    Reply
  8. Hi I am beginning to research this area as my grandmother was from this area. We remember her stories of working in a factory. I wish I had asked her the name of the factory. She was terrified when she had to cross a bridge in the fog.

    I think the bridge is still there but much has changed since WWII and the Olympics.

    I am also wondering if she ever went to school. Something we take “for granted now.”

    Best wishes, Georgiaday

    Reply
    • Hello, my family are also from that part of London. The Olympics changed the area beyond recognition in many parts. I remember the old railway freight depot that became the Olympic Park. My grandfather used to drive around the back, one of his many routes to get from Ilford to Kings Cross, where his mother lived for years.

    • don’t know about troop movements but bomb damage rubble was buried on the marshes and that’s why it is higher in places than others. Also think it was used for……… we hem “nocturnal sport” in the 1950s according to my late mother and where my sister was conceived.

Leave a comment

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.