The historical importance of Hackney Wick cannot be overestimated.
200 years ago there was a balloon flight from the beautiful gardens of a splendid Georgian mansion.
And then…
- During the Industrial Revolution, renowned chemists were engaged in the production of varnish and rubberised cloth and groundbreaking research in the huge dye industry. Here dry cleaning was introduced to England.
- Plastic was manufactured and crude oil distilled for the first time in England and maybe the world.
- Confectionary was a specialist part of the food processing, for London’s growing population.
- In among the relics from Hackney Wick’s glorious industrial past are fine restaurants and art galleries - packed with visitors each year during the “Hackney Wicked” festival.
- Hackney Wick was important for sport 150 years ago, long before the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park was built just across the canal.
Come and explore this fascinating alternative part of London.
