St Augustine's Tower

St Augustine's Tower in London is the oldest surviving building in central Hackney and the only remnant of the old parish church. It rises in St John's Church Gardens near the southern end of Narrow Way, and it appears on the Hackney borough coat of arms.

What is St Augustine's Tower?

The first church here dates to the 13th century, founded by the Knights of St John. The tower you see now was built in the early 1500s, when the parish gained a new church dedicated to St Augustine. It has four stages, diagonal buttresses and a restored parapet. The nave was pulled down in 1798 after a larger church went up next door. That new building had no bell tower, so the old one stayed in service until 1854.

Later it served as a mortuary and a gardeners' store, and in 1929 the council stepped in to save it from demolition. Today the tower and its contents are listed Grade I, and the Hackney Historic Buildings Trust looks after it.

What can you see inside?

A working 16th-century turret clock sits on the third floor, and records place it there since at least 1608. Visitors can inspect the mechanism and ring the bell. The ground floor holds a small exhibition on the tower and the neighbourhood, and since a heritage-funded upgrade it is accessible to wheelchair users.

A narrow spiral stair of roughly 135 worn stone steps leads up to the roof. From the top you get a wide view over Hackney and across to the London skyline.

How do you get there?

The tower is a few minutes on foot from Hackney Central and Hackney Downs Overground stations. Enter through the church gardens off Mare Street, close to the pedestrianised Narrow Way. Many buses run along Mare Street.

When can you go inside?

The interior is not open daily. It normally admits visitors on the last Sunday of the month, about 2pm to 4:30pm, with no December opening. Entry is free and donations are welcome. Dates can change, so check the current schedule on the Hackney Historic Buildings Trust website before you travel. The tower also takes part in the Open House London weekend in September. On other days you can admire it from outside, and the gardens are open to walk through.

How long should you allow?

Plan 45 to 60 minutes for the tower, including the roof and the clock. If you add the neighbouring St John-at-Hackney church and nearby Sutton House, set aside half a day.

Frequently asked questions

Is it free to enter?

Yes. Admission on open days is free, with voluntary donations supporting the upkeep.

Is the tower accessible for wheelchair users?

The ground floor and its exhibition are accessible. The upper floors and roof are reached only by a narrow stone spiral staircase.

Is it open every Sunday?

No. It opens on the last Sunday of each month and for special events such as Open House. December normally has no open day.

Does the clock still work?

Yes. The 16th-century mechanism still runs and keeps time for the tower.