FILM LONDON LODESTARS: Hackney Archives
From its beginnings as Roman farmlands supplying the city of ‘Londinium’ with food through to being a global destination for 21st century arts, culture and nightlife, Hackney has an amazing history and Hackney Archives is one of the best places in the borough to find out all about it.
Hackney’s history is extensive and varied. It has been home to the poor and rich, and many notable figures, from politics, science, and religion. A wealth of migrants have contributed to the modern borough, and there are many stories to be discovered. Notable businesses were formed here, and pioneering technological developments, particularly in the Lea Valley. Hackney also saw groundbreaking experiments in public services, especially schools and hospitals, and gives an insight into the growth of the modern state.
Hackney Archives is the ideal place to find out about the individuals, families, communities, organisations, buildings and neighbourhoods that have shaped local history. The Archive holds a wealth of administrative, business, institutional and family records concerning Hackney, Stoke Newington and Shoreditch. It houses the records of Hackney council and its predecessors, and much historic material about Hackney and other areas in collections with an east London focus. Its oldest document is a 14th century deed from the City of London.
