Stoke Newington History Talks event

Stoke Newington History Talks is a recurring event that I run every four months, where I’m joined by two different speakers each time. I’m glad to say the event has grown in popularity since the first one in November 2016, with tickets usually selling out within a day.

To date, there have been 78 talks (including mine) with 48 guest speakers, some of whom have appeared more than once—a remarkable achievement, given the event’s focus on a relatively small area with a very rich history! The event’s mailing list has over 1,600 subscribers, so don’t wait too long to book a ticket.

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Next Event

12.03.2026 – Stoke Newington History Talks 27 (Detailed to be confirmed)

Background

In 2016 Sam Roberts of GhostSigns.co.uk suggested we start running an evening featuring short talks about Stoke Newington’s history. I liked the idea and organised the first event later that year. 25 people showed up and filled the Clarence Tavern’s small function room in Stoke Newington Church Street.

Due to increasing popularity the event moved to the White Hart in the High St, and after four events moved again, this time to St Matthias Halls in Wordsworth Road, where it’s been held since with the exception of three online events during lockdown.

SNHT no.1 — The first event on 28.11.2016 was in the function room of the Clarence Tavern in Stoke Newington Church Street

Events 2-5 in 2017 were held in the function room of the White Hart in Stoke Newington High Street

Since 2018, apart from event no. 6 which was held in the West Reservoir and events no. 14-16 that were online during the pandemic, all the events were held in St Matthias Halls in Wordsworth Road

Three events (14-16) were held online during COVID

Fundraising

Proceeds from ticket sales support a different cause at each event, often a local charity. The speakers generously volunteer their time. Over the last 19 events, £12,002 has been raised for charities, social enterprises and humanitarian appeals.

2018 – Hackney Winter Night Shelter (£440)
2019 – Hackney Migrant Centre (£487)
2019, 2020 – Hackney Foodbank (£970)
2019 – North London Action for the Homeless (£570)
2019 – Pets Against Loneliness (£611)
2020 – Hackney Playbus (£1,100)
2021 – National Food Service North London (£638)
2021 – The Literacy Pirates (£502)
2022 – WithUkraine (£735)
2023 – British Red Cross Turkey-Syria Earthquake Appeal (£711)
2023 – Hackney Children & Baby Bank (£704)
2023 – Sandbrook Community Playgroup (£678)
2024 – Shakespeare Walk Adventure Playground (£643)
2024 – The Old Fire Station (£641)
2024 – The Boiler House Community Space (£649)
2025 – Abney Park Trust (£659)
2025 – St Joseph’s Hospice (£626)
2025 – MamaSuze (£638)

Past Events

Below are all the past Stoke Newington History Talk events. All contain the presenters’ presentation slides and in some cases there are also videos, recordings of online presentations, audio slideshows and photos from the events.