In the 1700s, Hackney welcomed a new population of French refugees seeking shelter from religious persecution. Although more famously associated with nearby Spitalfields, many settled and prospered in the rural villages that now make up the borough of Hackney. Who were the Huguenots? Between 1660 and 1714, around 40,000 ‘Huguenots’ – French Christians who had … Read more
Eason & Co. photo studio captured a diverse, artistic and playful community in 1880s East London from portraits of large families and Salvation Army delegates from China and India to advertisements for music hall artists. This blog explores the story of the Dalston based family-run photo studio Eason & Co. John Eason: Draper to Photographer … Read more
Hackney Women’s Aid was one of the earliest in the country to provide a refuge to women and their families fleeing domestic violence. In this blog we explore the story of how a small group of women volunteers founded an organisation that has continued to support women and girls for over 50 years. The Women’s … Read more
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
Over the last 30 years, people with roots in East African countries such as Ethiopia, Somalia and Kenya have made Hackney their home. This blog shares some of the stories of the groups, businesses and community spaces that celebrate eastern African heritage in Hackney, shaping the borough’s mixed cultural identity and forming places for communities … Read more
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
In the 1800s, the introduction of the railway and cheap paddle steamer services from London to nearby coastal towns made seaside holidays possible for working class people in East London. Introduction The idea of a trip to the seaside as a popular leisure activity started life in the 1800s, originally as a luxury only for … Read more
Discover the hidden stories of ayahs and amahs, South and South East Asian women, who cared for British children and lived in Hackney.
Through stories of musical innovation, distribution and enjoyment, the ‘Roots, Rhythms and Records’ series celebrates the impact of the London Borough of Hackney on music in the borough and beyond. In this post, we focus on the role of female artists in the development of the musical genre of Lovers Rock. What is Lovers Rock? … Read more
This blog post explores the story of striking workers at two large factories in Hackney and how they rallied together to oppose their employers, using the power of song.