Welcome to Hackney

The London Borough of Hackney is located north of the River Thames and to the north-east of the city. It comprises the areas Dalston, De Beauvoir Town, Hackney Downs, Hackney Central, Hackney Marshes, Hackney Wick, Haggerston, Homerton, Hoxton, Kingsland, Lea Bridge, London Fields, Lower Clapton, Shacklewell, Shoreditch, South Hackney, Stamford Hill, Stoke Newington, Upper Clapton.

The Borough covers an area of approximately 19.06 sq.km.

To the south west of the borough, Hoxton and Shoreditch are central to the London Arts Scene, with many clubs, bars, shops and restaurants. The many street markets here include Petticoat Lane, Brick Lane and Ridley Road. Hackney Central is the main retail and commercial centre of the borough. Some of the land to the east is planned to be use for the 2012 Olympics.

Until the 16th century the area consisted of small farming communities, each with its own church. The first mention of Hackney was in 1198, Shoreditch in 1148 and Stoke Newington in 1274. Hoxton was the site of The Theatre, London's first purpose built public theatre, built in 1576 by James Burbage, and where William Shakespeare performed. London Fields in the 16th century was common ground where drovers would pasture their livestock before taking them to the London markets. Shoreditch was the site of an Augustinian Priory during the 12th century until its dissolution in 1539. During the 17th century Huguenot silk weavers and wealthy traders established a textile industry in the area around Spitalfield Market.

The service industry is the largest sector of the local economy, employing around 80% of all workers.

The name originates from Old English 'Haca' and 'eg', meaning 'island of a man called Haca'. In 1198 it was recorded as Hakeneia.