The History of Stoke Newington and Reasons Why it’s a Must Visit
Stoke Newington is a charming medieval village in the London Borough of Hackney. Unlike her buzzier neighbors, Dalston and Shoreditch, Stoke Newington is pretty laidback. It is famously non-conformist and still has many grade II historic buildings and street architecture from the 18th and 19th centuries.
The town comes to life along Church Street, a 19th-century street lined with cute boho cafes, restaurants, and vintage to homeware stores housed in historic buildings. This brief guide will tell you more about this small north-east London suburb and two reasons why it’s a must-visit.
The History of Stoke Newington
Stoke Newington, or Stokey as its fondly nicknamed, was a popular pit stop for wayfarers heading north during the middle and Tudor ages. It was part of an expansive piece of land owned by the Diocese of London. The manor was held by the St. Paul Cathedral until the 17th century when William Patten took over, and a century later, it was inherited by Lady Mary Abney. It was an undeveloped open field and woodland until Lady Mary took over. She commissioned the first-ever map and survey of the manor and is said to have been the brains behind most of the landscaping in Stokey’s parklands.
In the 19th century, the woodland area was gradually cleared, giving way to London’s expansion. Large and luxurious houses began cropping up to house the rich of London, and by the end of that century, Stoke Newington was one of north-east London’s most affluent neighborhoods.
The small village was also one of the few lucky areas to have survived the blitz. As a result, most of her historic buildings survived and are still standing to date. Even so, Stokey has undergone gentrification over the years and is today home to many independent businesses, hip bars, fancy restaurants, and a large young middle-class community of politically radical individuals.
Reasons Stoke Newington is a Must-Visit Area of East London
Here are reasons you should be excited to visit Stoke Newington:
– It’s Home to One of London’s Magnificent Seven Cemeteries
The magnificent seven cemeteries is a colloquial term used to refer to London’s seven private cemeteries built in the 19th centiry. One of the magnificent seven, the Abney Park Cemetery, is in Stokey. It was a burial ground for many of the area’s 19th-century dissidents. It’s now a woodland memorial park and nature reserve with a rich history and diverse flora and fauna making it a relaxing spot to spend an afternoon for free while in Stoke Newington.
– Stoke Newington Church Street is Here
Stoke Newington Church Street is where the past and the future meet in Stokey. It’s a 19th-century street that, despite gentrification, still has the most number of historic buildings in the area. At the same time, boho cafes, trendy restaurants, and hip bars have sprung up along the area, giving way to the new and modern middle-class community that now calls Stokey home. Ensure you stop by the Good Egg, a renowned deli serving delicious Middle Eastern cuisines, to yummy Jewish-style fares.
Enjoy a Day at Stoke Newington
Stoke Newington might be Dalston’s and Shoreditch’s laidback neighbor, but it’s one of northeast London’s best places to visit. The area has a relaxed feel but still has enough historical attractions, modern to vintage cafes, restaurants and shops to indulge you throughout.