About

I’m a local historian and heritage advocate focused on Stoke Newington, a historic area in the London Borough of Hackney. Through research, public talks, social media (Instagram, Facebook), oral history projects and community engagement, I document, preserve and share the story of this ancient parish in north London, first recorded in 1086. It was a Metropolitan Borough from 1900 until 1965, when it became part of the modern London Borough of Hackney.

For speaking enquiries or local history questions, get in touch.

Background

I’ve been interested in history from a young age, driven by curiosity and an early ambition to become an archaeologist. I was also creatively inclined, which led to a professional career in user experience design. This background informs much of my work, particularly in how I present and communicate local history.

I moved to Stoke Newington in 2002 and have been researching its history since 2011. My interest in the area’s heritage began after discovering The History and Antiquities of the Parish of Stoke Newington (1820). What started as a personal interest developed into a long-term research project focused on documenting and sharing the history of the area.

Since 2012, I have shared local history online through social media and my website and, since 2016, have organised Stoke Newington History Talks, a regular local history event featuring three talks each time. Over time, I have built a collection of books, maps, photographs and other historical material relating to Stoke Newington.

Sharing Local History

A central aim of my work is to make Stoke Newington’s history accessible to a wider audience. I share research through social media on Instagram and Facebook, my website, public talks, self-guided walks and community events. Between 2013 and 2025, I published more than 33,000 posts and 28,000 images on Twitter/X documenting Stoke Newington’s history and changing streetscape. The complete Twitter/X archive is now searchable online.

Recordings of my talks and presentation slides are available online.

Research

My research focuses on the area defined by the former Metropolitan Borough of Stoke Newington (1900–65). I work with archives, books, maps and private collections to document the area’s history and uncover new material.

Over the years, I’ve been fortunate to meet many people who have shared their personal memories and experiences with me. Community knowledge and local memories form an important part of my research, alongside archives, books, maps and other historical sources. I have also been fortunate to learn from and work alongside fellow researchers and local history enthusiasts, including the late Stoke Newington historian Derek Baker and Nick Perry, a passionate champion of heritage conservation, who sadly passed away in 2024.

Key areas of research include:

Explore Research

At the Hackney Archives, one of the various resources I use to research Stoke Newington’s past.

Talks & Events

I regularly give talks on Stoke Newington’s history and run Stoke Newington History Talks, a recurring event held every four months since 2016.

Explore Talks & Events

20.06.2024 – Stoke Newington History Talks 22

Projects

A central aim of my work is to make Stoke Newington’s history accessible and engaging.

This includes:

Explore Projects

Advocating for Local Heritage

Alongside research, I work to preserve and protect Stoke Newington’s heritage.

This includes:

Explore Heritage Advocacy

Pictured with an old shop sign from 1974 that I salvaged on Newington Church Street, on 28th December 2025.

Press & Appearances

My work has been featured in a range of media, including television, radio, podcasts and print publications. I have also contributed as a local history adviser on television programmes.

See Press & Appearances