London Borough of Hackney

Hackney is a borough in east inner London, bordered by Islington, Haringey, Waltham Forest and Tower Hamlets. The area includes residential and commercial districts with parks, theatres and cultural venues.

The borough was created in 1965 by merging the metropolitan boroughs of Hackney, Shoreditch and Stoke Newington. Until the 19th century the area was largely rural before industrialization turned it into an urban part of London.

The name comes from an Old Saxon term for an island or raised ground, reflecting the original geography of the area. Today people from over a hundred different countries live here, shaping the street life, markets and cafés across the neighborhood.

Several London Overground lines connect the borough with other parts of the city, including the North London Line and the East London Line. Most public areas are freely accessible and can be explored on foot or by bicycle.

The River Lea forms the eastern boundary and flows through former farmland that later became industrial zones. Along its banks today, walking paths pass through quiet stretches between the built-up neighborhoods.

Location: Greater London

Inception: April 1, 1965

Website: https://hackney.gov.uk

GPS coordinates: 51.54472,-0.05750

Latest update: December 14, 2025 19:14