Newington Green

From early Royal connections – Henry VIII had a hunting lodge on the green – Newington Green soon became famous for its community of radical thinkers and dissenters in the religious, social, literary and political fields.

Heritage with attitude

The focus of it all was Newington Green Unitarian Church and its forward-looking minister Dr Richard Price. His distinguished visitors included the politicians, philosophers and reformers of the day, and established the area’s reputation for challenging conventions.

Newington Green is arguably the birthplace of feminism. Mary Wollstonecraft, author of the ground breaking ‘A Vindication of
the Rights of Women’, lived and taught there in the late 1700s. In the 19th century, ideas about religious freedom and self-improvement continued to shape the area. There were clubs and groups for cricketers, cyclists, educationalists, theologists and prohibitionists.

Leading the way

Today, Newington Green’s independent flame continues to burn brightly. Local campaigners have fought for improvements to the green, for the conservation of important buildings, planted commemorative trees, supported gay rights, created wildlife corridors, and even promoted the first plastic bag free area.

An independent spirit

Newington Green is a proper London village, with a real village green. It prizes individuality, cherishes its community and offers a warm welcome to all.

Independent shops that cater for all needs really do flourish here. Whether you need a part for your bike, a quirky bit of vintage for your home, some of the freshest fruit and veg in town, or an outrageously creative celebration cake, you’ll get it here.

Far from typical

Newington Green also goes against the grain of the typical London high street when it comes to pubs, restaurants and cafés. Independent businesses rather than coffee shop chains are typical.

Community spirit is alive and well, as can be seen in get-together events like Jazz on the Green, Carols on the Green and Open Garden Squares Day, while the Newington Green Action Group continues to campaign, organise and inspire in this legendary London neighbourhood. It’s somewhere well worth discovering.

Location

Newington Gate

Matthias Road, Hackney, London, N16 8QB

020 3369 9920