The distinctive community

Once rolling fields, Stamford Hill lies on the A10 Roman Road and its name is thought to derive from the spot where a sandy ford crossed the Hackney Brook at the bottom of the hill. A bridge was later constructed to replace the ford.

This was the stomping ground of Highwayman Dick Turpin who deprived passing travellers of their belongings. He was later sentenced to death.

In the 1740s the area had its own gibbet just south of Clapton Common – this gallows-type structure displayed dead or dying bodies of criminals to deter others from committing crime.

By the 18th century the Roman Road (A10) was heavily used by wagons and horses and, keen to fund repairs, a tollgate was installed at Stamford Hill.

This was a busy tram interchange, with trams coming north from the city meeting Hackney Tram Line. With the arrival of the area’s first railway and tram system came rapid development. Its large homes with extensive grounds attracted wealthy financiers and merchants. 

Jewish people began to settle here from the 1880s – moving from Stepney in the East End, the New Synagogue was transferred here in 1915 and 11 years later the Union of Orthodox Hebrew Congregations was set up.

In the run up to the Second World War and during the Holocaust, the area became a magnet for Haredi Jews, many fleeing persecution. As well as arriving from Eastern Europe, they moved from other parts of London - refugees of the Blitz and those displaced when land was cleared to make way for new housing.

Today there are over 50 synagogues in Stamford Hill. The area is particularly vibrant during Purim – a Jewish holiday in late winter/early spring. People wear colourful costumes and dance to music so loud it can be heard all over the area. There’s plenty of feasting and drinking local residents are given gifts of baked treats.

There are some great state schools in and around Stamford Hill – Holmleigh Primary and Jubillee Primary are both rated Outstanding by Ofsted, whilst Simon Marks Jewish Primary, Oldhill Community School, Sir Thomas Abney School and Our Lady’s Catholic High School are all ranked good.

The strictly Orthodox Jewish community mainly rely on private education so there are also numerous single-sex Jewish schools in the area. Visit the Ofsted website for a comprehensive list.

With Overground stations (Stoke Newington near the bottom of the hill and Stamford Hill near the East Bank), access is easy to Liverpool Street and the City. Change for Seven Sisters and join the Victoria Line to reach Oxford Circus or to travel south to Brixton or north-east to Walthamstow.

Bus connections are also good - the 149, 243, 253, 476, 67, 76 all stop here.

• Pop singer Leona Lewis who won the X Factor grew up here.
  
  
• The actor Lionel Blair grew up here.
  
  
• Suede’s guitarist Bernard Butler was born here.
  
  
• Cricketer Mark Williams lived here.
  
  
• Cartoonist and writer Mel Calmon was born here.