THE DANDIES above are part of a link between Eton and Hackney that developed in the 1880s.

As you will find out if you hear the free talk, “An Eton Playing field in Hackney Wick”. Peter Wilson, who has personal memories of the Eton Manor Boys Club from the 1960s, tells the story of the Eton Mission and the Wick.

The lecture, on Monday 13 June 2016, is part of a fasincating talk series run by the Hackney Historic Buildings Trust.

Other talks include:

* on Tuesday 14 June 2016 “This Plashy Stream – Memories of the Hackney Brook”, by the custodian of Hackney tower. Laurie Elks will make a light-hearted investigation of the lost Hackney Brook, below, up to its fecal demise.

* on Wednesday 15  June 2016 “The Villas of Stamford Hill”. Anne Wilkinson tells of what could be termed de-gentrification, how prosperous City merchants and financiers, some of whom truly were gentry, and their cosseted families and hard-working servants, lived in grand houses in what is now N16 in the early 1800s.

Everything changed after the coming of the railway as it is again changing as the middle class starts to recolonise the district.

* on Friday 17 June 2016 archaeologist Julian Bowsher talks in “Shakespeare’s London Theatreland” of the eight outdoor playhouses, two inns converted into playhouses, four indoor theatres and four City inns licensed to host dramatic performances. Bowsher is author of Shakespeare’s London Theatreland.

The publicity erupting in this year of Shakespeare’s death 400 years ago, are likely to make this talk especially well-subscribed.

Hamish Scott 140516

* St Augustine’s Tower, 354 Mare Street/Narrow Way E8 1HR (no disabled access), Mon 13 June 2016-Friday 17 June 2016. All talks, which start at 7.30pm (entry and glass of wine at 7pm), are free but must be booked via Hackney Historic Buildings Trust 0208 986 0029 or kamil@roundchapel.org. 

* Backstory: Bard boy of Hackney

* All pictures on this page © DavidAltheer [at] gmail.com for sale for reproduction.

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