Walks of interest
Free historical walks around the borough help to exercise the mind as well as the body
Sue Doe guiding residents on the history walk
What do Henry VIII’s favourite niece, the first railway murder victim and the alleged ‘real’ William Shakespeare all have in common? They all have links with Hackney.
Love Hackney joined a group of residents for a free history walk around Clapton.
Organised by the Council, and delivered by guide Sue Doe, the ‘Riches of Hackney’ walk followed an easy path from Hackney Central station, via Bohemia Place, St Augustine’s Tower, St John-at-Hackney Churchyard and ended at Clapton Square.
Although it only took 90 minutes to complete, the group travelled back to over 450 years ago, starting at Tudor times and ending after the completion of the railway in the late 19th century.
Edward de Vere, Earl of Oxford (the ‘real’ Shakespeare?)
Sue, who is a qualified City of London guide and has lived in the borough her whole life, explains: “The reason Hackney was so well off during the 1500s was because it was close to the City of London, the Tower of London and the stately homes of Hertfordshire, where the young Queen Elizabeth I lived.
“In the 16th century Hackney was full of lovely green fields and bubbling brooks. It was a very rural location and the rich wanted to live here.”
This is evident by the aristocrats who used to live in the area – including the daughter of King James I, known as the Queen of Bohemia (who Bohemia Place is named after), and Margaret Douglas, who was the favourite niece of Henry VIII, and lived in two properties in Hackney: Barber’s Barn in Darnley Road and Brooke House (the location of BSix College).
Other notable residents include Edward de Vere, the Earl of Oxford, who is said to have written Shakespeare’s plays and is buried in the graveyard of St Augustine’s. Plus Thomas Cromwell’s right-hand man, Ralph Sadler, who was the first man to get a divorce who was not part of the nobility.
Lady Lucy Latymer in St John-at-Hackney Church
Sue continues: “I love sharing interesting stories about the people in Hackney’s history (and a fascinating lot they are). I inevitably get lots of information back from the walkers too, so it’s very much a sharing experience. A lot of history never gets to be written down so it’s important that we don’t lose it.
“The walks are suitable for anyone who has an interest in Hackney. They are usually gentle walks and I make sure routes are accessible. If you are curious about your local area, and want to see it in a new light, they are for you.”
The Council puts on a free ‘walks of interest’ programme around Hackney to encourage residents – particularly people who are over the age of 50 – to explore the borough, socialise and get more active.