Amazing spot! Definitely worth going along when St Augustine's Tower is open. The views are spectacular, and the history of the tower is fascinating. Hope you get a chance to ring the bell like we did on our tour!
Kathryn Hatfield
Such a gorgeous landmark and a great memory of the time I lived in Hackney and Clapton. I walked by this tower hundreds of times and was lucky enough to get to go inside more than once and even to climb the stairs to the top once. Wonderful views and it was helped by being a gorgeous day. Even though they built the other building far too close in front of it I'm glad this ancient tower remains where it was built and that it's mostly looked after.
Macedonboy
St Augustine's Tower is a tower that stands in the gardens of St John's Church. It sits at the junction of the northern end of Mare street and the southern end of Narrow Way. Builtin the 13th century, it's the oldest building in Hackney and the only surviving structure from the original church.
The church is in a remarkable state of preservation and definitely worth seeing in in Hackney. Sadly, the tower can only be viewed from the outside.
Alison
A great find - you can climb up to the top of the tower between 2-4.30 on the last Sunday and get some unique views of Hackney. The winding staircase is pretty fun and gets narrower as you near the top. Got some great photos from the top.
Michael w
Open every last Sunday of the month to go on top, nice view around Hackney, historical building and staff are very friendly and helpful!
Colin Day
Very well worth the journey to visit this medieval church tower and after the visit I was so glad that they ran out of money over 200 years ago when they were demolishing the church. A real gem of a place to visit though there are very limited opening hours on the last Sunday of most months.
Lots of history inside with the story of the growth of Hackney and tales of how the area has changed. The bell is a nice touch and being able to get up close and personal with the workings of a near 500 year old clock is a delight.
Even better this is free, but the do have a donation box.
A big well done to the volunteers who run this. Thankyou.
Karl 1974
St Augustine's Tower stands in St John's Church Gardens, in Hackney Central, in the London Borough of Hackney, just off the southern end of the Narrow Way (formerly Church Street). It is all that remains of the early 16th century parish church of Hackney of St Augustine, which replaced the 13th century medieval church founded by the Knights of St John. The Tower comprises four stages beneath a restored parapet with diagonal buttressing. A fine working 16th century turret clock has remained on the third floor of the Tower since at least 1608. The Tower and contents are Grade I listed. The Tower is seen as a symbol for Hackney, and is even represented in the coat of arms of the London Borough of Hackney. During the First World War, it appeared on the cap-badge of the 10th (Hackney) Battalion of the London Regiment.
James Croft216 days ago
Wow, very impressed. This tower is supremely well kept and full of information on Hackney through the ages. I was expecting a dingy tower, smelly and unloved and it is a million miles from it! Highly recommend a visit. The volunteers are very welcoming.
The church is in a remarkable state of preservation and definitely worth seeing in in Hackney. Sadly, the tower can only be viewed from the outside.
Lots of history inside with the story of the growth of Hackney and tales of how the area has changed. The bell is a nice touch and being able to get up close and personal with the workings of a near 500 year old clock is a delight.
Even better this is free, but the do have a donation box.
A big well done to the volunteers who run this. Thankyou.