On Sunday, I climbed a sixteenth century tower, toured a tudor manor house built by a courtier to Henry VIII, took tea in a National Trust teashop and strolled down a Georgian market street. I also watched the leaves fall in a Georgian square and wandered through green space originally a sixteenth century common (vaguely reminiscent of Cambridge's Parker's Piece).
Where did I do these things? That's right: Hackney.
An area of London I grew up slightly fearing, famed for its Murder Mile and sink schools, the place I have discovered since moving to East London is entirely different to my childhood perception. It is far more clearly the chain of ancient villages (Hackney, Homerton, Clapton, Wyck) than the cliche I thought I knew.
If you haven't visited in the last few decades, I strongly suggest you prepare yourself for a treat.
We spent yesterday morning at Broadway Market. Had a fabulous (if chilly) time! Heartily agree with your sentiments, therefore.
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