Hackney

In Tudor Times, Hackney comprised three parishes - Hackney itself, the small parish of Stoke Newington and Shoreditch. The latter, on the edge of the City of London, was home to two theatres and an up and coming playwright named William Shakespeare. Hackney’s largest house was Brooke House, which stood on a site north west of the junction of the Lea Bridge and Upper Clapton roads, now occupied by part of Hackney Community College. In an exchange of lands with Henry VIII, the Hackney house passed to the King in January 1535. Now Hackney is a culturally rich borough and the centre for some of London's best nightlife and home to many top artists. Hackney Borough has had many famous residents including: William Shakespeare, Henry VIII, The Kray Twins, Harold Pinter, Alexander McQueen, Harry Enfield, Jonny Rotten, Barbara Windsor, Colin Firth, Tracy Emin and Damien Hirst. Best Schools: Primary - Bonner and Hague Primary Schools; Secondary - City of London (Boys and Girls Grammar schools) and JFS (mixed comprehensive)