Campaigning and Activism

Hackney and the Miners’ Strike

A colour photograph of a demonstration marching down Kingsland High Street, Hackney, in front of Centerprise Bookshop, with a police officer walking in front. Marchers hold banners for the National Union of Mineworkers South Wales Area, and the Miners Support Committee Hackney.

During the Miners’ Strike of 1984-1985, Hackney residents, organisations and the council united to support striking workers in their fight to preserve jobs – as well as protecting miner’s families from hardship. Introduction In March 1984, the National Coal Board (NCB) announced the mass closure of coal mines, an action that would make tens of … Read more

Not in My Name: Conscientious Objectors During the First World War

Newspaper clipping of a man in bowler hat

At the outbreak of the First World War (1914-1918), opposing the conflict was a difficult and even dangerous choice. Around 27,000 local men living in east London’s Hackney, Shoreditch and Stoke Newington responded to the recruitment campaigns and enlisted to serve in the war. In the same area, there were at least 350 conscientious objectors. … Read more

Adventure Playgrounds in Hackney

B&W image of two children playing in an adventure playground on a slide.

Since the 1950s, Hackney’s adventure playgrounds have been important spaces for generations of local children, where they can play freely and where anything seems possible. This blog explores the rich history of adventure play across Hackney, Shoreditch and Stoke Newington. What are adventure playgrounds? Adventure playgrounds are unique spaces that support children to be independent. … Read more