Derek Baker (4.3.1936 – 24.3.2016)

Derek Baker was my friend. We shared a deep, some would say obsessive, interest in Stoke Newington’s history, which made the 42-year age difference between us completely invisible. I first met Derek in February 2015 after a mutual acquaintance, aware of my fascination with Stoke Newington’s rich past, suggested I contact him.

It was great meeting a like-minded person because it’s not always possible to share with those around you an interest in a niche subject you are incredibly passionate about. When we first met and began comparing notes, I wasn’t surprised to see Derek overjoyed. With a big smile, he said, ‘It’s great to finally be able to talk to someone about all this!’ I most probably replied, ‘I know what you mean!

Having bought every Stoke Newington history book over the last three years, I was quite proud of my collection, which occupied a whole shelf. Derek, on the other hand, had an entire room dedicated to his life’s work. It comprised dozens of books, old street directories, framed maps, and 30 thick red folders he had been compiling on various topics, making up what he referred to as his Stoke Newington encyclopedia. As I entered his study for the first time, I was utterly speechless and couldn’t begin to think where to start. Considering Derek had a 37-year head start, I shouldn’t have been surprised at all.

During the next twelve months, we would meet every few weeks in his study, always on a Sunday at 2 pm. I scanned for others who might appreciate the photos he collected in his carefully labelled and meticulously organised red folders. I always looked forward with anticipation to our meetings, a chance to catch up with Derek, share new discoveries, and see him get as excited as I did about newly found old photos, documents, and maps. We both knew that the hunt for artefacts and new fragments of information is never-ending and felt utterly exhilarated by stumbling upon anything new that answered a question or, better yet, resulted in a new one for us to pursue.

Derek’s collection was amazing and simply incredible. It was a complete one-man archive, a true labour of love. It detailed every imaginable aspect of Stoke Newington’s long history: hundreds of old photos, his surveys of the streets, news clippings, timelines of significant houses over the centuries, articles he wrote about notable figures, and often their entire family history, to name just a few items in his vast, ever-expanding dynamic project.

Derek created a filing system and handwritten index cards to help him quickly navigate among the many artefacts he collected over a 40-year period. One time, I asked him about the history of a particular shop, and within minutes, he compiled a detailed list going back to 1839. As soon as I posed the question, his eyes lit up, and he began going through his index cards, pulling out old street directories, glancing at old maps, and taking notes. He relished the opportunity to utilise his vast collection and flick through the folders he had so carefully maintained for decades. It was quite a sight to see him spring into action, noting down dates and names with full excitement.

Having spent his entire life in Stoke Newington and working as an electrician from the age of 15 along its streets, Derek knew the area and its buildings intimately. His profound knowledge of his beloved neighbourhood’s history was a result of his tireless lifelong study and visits to many homes up until recently. Talking to Derek, you felt he knew the story behind every brick in the area. The way he could travel back in time in his mind and describe grand manor houses and pleasure grounds that stood where terraced houses, shops, and restaurants stand today was mesmerising.

To me, Derek was very much a part of the history he loved studying, with the enthusiasm of a schoolboy who had just discovered his new favourite hobby. He was incredibly kind, generous with his time and knowledge, and I shall miss our meetings and phone conversations very much. The people of Stoke Newington lost one of its most valuable assets and best-kept secrets.

Written on April 1st 2016, a few days after Derek passed away.