Abney Park & Stoke Newington Radical Writers Walk

Abney Park and Stoke Newington are rich in literary history, much of it connected to Hackney's tradition of dissent. Join walking artist and tour guide Simon Cole in the historic cemetery and its surrounds for an interactive literary saunter through this lit-lovers' paradise, in this bookish corner of the borough. We'll hear about famously controversial writers like Daniel Defoe, Mary Wollstonecraft and William Hone. As well as this, we will look into why cult N16 novelist Alexander Baron is radical.

We'll see the graves of those who used the pen to change the world and we'll hear about contemporary local writers who're continuing the Hackney tradition of literary activism.

Do you enjoy writing? Or want to start? Abney Park is the perfect location to respond to place. There's nothing like a walking conversation amid the glorious nature of Abney to put you in a creative state of mind. So, at the end we'll have time to write something short (optional) so bring a pen and paper and we can channel a little of the inspiration we receive en route. You can share what you wrote/drew, or take it home and work on it in private.

Speaker bio:

Bibliophile Simon Cole (Hackney Tours) writes himself and has been exploring how  places like Abney Park can inspire our creativity and connection. He has appeared at Documenta and is a keen psychogeographer.

Twitter: @hackneytours
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Please meet at the Stoke Newington High Street entrance

Please bring a pen and paper or something you are happy to write with

Photo: David Truswell