St Augustine's Tower
hackney's oldest building, standing alone
The oldest building in Hackney, a lone medieval church tower with its original 16th-century clock movement, free on open days.
Free to visit · Hackney · Hackney Central · E8 1HR
Opening: Open select weekends · check ahead
Marooned in a green churchyard in the middle of Hackney stands a lone stone tower, all that remains of the medieval parish church of St Augustine, demolished when a bigger church was built nearby in the 1790s. Dating from around the thirteenth century, it is the oldest building in the whole borough.
Inside survives a rare original turret clock movement from the sixteenth century, one of the oldest still in its place in the country. On open days, run by volunteers, you can climb the narrow stairs for free to see the clockwork and enjoy a view out over Hackney from the top, a real hidden gem worth timing a visit for.
Getting there: Beside St John's churchyard gardens, a couple of minutes from Hackney Central.
Best time to go: An advertised open day, usually the last Sunday of the month.
Insider tip: Check the tower's open days before going, usually one weekend a month, as that is the only time you can climb it. The climb is free and rewards you with the ancient clock mechanism and a rooftop view over Hackney.
Free things to do in London · London Free Guide