Only a couple of weeks after I created the A5 booklet version of my research into the history of every shop on Stoke Newington Church Street, it was great to see it in print. Oakwood Estate Agents kindly sponsored the printing of 100 copies, which I’ve been giving away for free. So far, three other local businesses have committed to sponsoring additional copies. The response from people has been very enthusiastic, which is great. I’ll give copies at my talks and some will be available for free in local shops, and paid copies will be available for purchase from certain local charity shops.

Continue reading “Now in Print: The History of Every Shop in Stoke Newington Church Street” →

I enjoyed taking part in the inaugural Hackney History Festival, where I gave a talk at the historic Sutton House on Sunday, May 12th about the 1930s and the significant transformation Stoke Newington underwent during that decade, from the rise of council housing to road widening, street renaming, and much more. Having a local history festival felt long overdue, and it was great that Janet Chapman took it upon herself to form a festival team and organise an impressive 3-day event, which included walks and talks taking place in three locations.

Continue reading “Hackney History Festival 2024” →

As part of what feels like my never-ending work on the occupancy survey of Stoke Newington Church Street, which I began in 2017 and charts the history of every shop in the street, I created today a 200 page eBook with the history of each shop presented as a mock Blue Plaque. I hope it’ll make the fascinating data I put together more digestible than a large spreadsheet. Apart from the evolution of every shop in the street, it includes photos of different shops over the years and a few charts that illustrate various trends. You can view and download the PDF file here.

Continue reading “eBook: The History of Every Shop in Stoke Newington Church Street” →

I very much look forward to taking part in the inaugural Hackney History Festival where I’ll give a talk in the historic Sutton House, 2-4 Homerton High Street on Sunday May 12th 3pm. My talk is all about the 1930s and the significant transformation Stoke Newington underwent during that decade, from the rise of council housing, road widening, street renaming and much more. Hope to see you there. You can book tickets here.

I’m constantly looking for new ways to celebrate and share the vibrant history of Stoke Newington, aiming to captivate the interest of those who may not yet be familiar with the area’s rich past. In an exciting development, I’m thrilled to unveil a collaborative venture with Oakwood Estate Agents, an initiative designed to bring the community closer to the heritage that defines Stoke Newington. Our collaboration involves the presentation of historical images of Stoke Newington prominently displayed in the windows of Oakwood Estate Agents. This visual journey through time will serve as a compelling window into the bygone eras of the area, allowing passers-by to connect with the captivating transformations that have shaped Stoke Newington.

The 20th Stoke Newington History Talks event, which also marked the 7 year anniversary since the first event in 2016, was a great evening with 100 people in attendance and fascinating talks by Sue Doe and Breda Corish. Ticket sales from the event raised £678 for Sandbrook Community Playgroup, bringing the total raised for 12 charities in the last 13 events to £8,146.

Continue reading “16.11.2023 – Stoke Newington History Talks 20” →

Close to 100 people attended the 19th Stoke Newington History Talks event in St Matthias Halls to hear about the transformation of the ‘Castle’ Pumping Station into a climbing centre, the lives of three social campaigners who were imprisoned for their actions and are buried in Abney Park Cemetery and finally, to catch a glimpse of a treasure trove of print material from the 1930s-50’s that was salvaged from a former local print shop.

Continue reading “13.07.2023 – Stoke Newington History Talks 19” →

On July 5th 2023, I had the pleasure of meeting Marc Caucutt, who grew up in 33 Cowper Road, to interview him about the demolition of the street in the late 1970s as part of the development of Butterfield Green. Over 100 Victorian houses, that were occupied, were pulled down to make way for a new public park. In the 15min interview, Marc reflects about his childhood in the 60s and 70s and the difficult period as the east side of the street was demolished and his family home was the last one standing in the street in 1982.

Continue reading “The Last House Standing – My interview with Marc Caucutt” →

I had a great time giving a talk at this year’s Stoke Newington Literary Festival in the historic Mildmay Club. 175 people was my biggest audience to date! My talk covered various aspects of Stoke Newington’s rich history using 10 eBay finds. From the story of the Town Hall to a Jewish confectionary works, High St businesses in 1982, the Church St library and much more!

Continue reading “03.06.2023 – Stoke Newington Literary Festival” →