Ever wondered where edgy meets history? Welcome to Dalston. This vibrant area of East London pulsates with a unique energy. Dalston is a place where the past and present intertwine.
Dalston began as a small hamlet. It was known as Deorlaf’s tun. This means Deorlaf’s farm. Over time, Dalston grew. It eventually absorbed neighboring villages like Kingsland and Shacklewell.
Look around. Imagine the scene in 1746. John Rocque’s map shows Kingsland centred at today’s Dalston Junction. Dalston village was further east along Dalston Lane. Ermine Street, now the A10, formed the area’s western edge.
In 1280, citizens of London founded a leper hospital here. By the 18th and 19th centuries, Dalston transformed. It changed from fields to an urban landscape. Railways arrived and Kingsland disappeared into Dalston.
Dalston has a history of diversity. Jewish and other minority groups settled here. During the 1930s, 40s, and 60s, Oswald Mosley held rallies here. These events were opposed by locals. Violent clashes occurred, especially around Ridley Road. This history even inspired a novel and a BBC TV series called Ridley Road.
Today, Dalston is known for its nightlife. It’s also known for its music and events. The Dalston Music Festival began in 2015. It takes place in Gillett Square and surrounding clubs.
Dalston was once an entertainment hub. It hosted four or five cinemas. There was also the Dalston Theatre. This was once a hippodrome and music hall. Later, it became the Four Aces blues club. It was also the Labyrinth nightclub. Sadly, the Dalston Theatre was demolished in 2007.
But the Rio Cinema survives. It is a Grade II listed Art Deco building. The Rio has been around for over 100 years. It still shows popular and art movies.
Don’t miss Ridley Road Market. Established in the 1880s, it’s opposite Dalston Kingsland station. You can find exotic fruits and vegetables here. Halal butchers cluster near Kingsland High Street. Ridley Road Market is said to have inspired the market in the BBC’s EastEnders.
Notice the mix of architecture. Dalston features 18th and 19th-century terraced houses. You’ll also see 20th-century council estates. The area is rapidly gentrifying. This is partly due to the Dalston Junction railway station redevelopment. It is also due to the 2012 Olympics revitalization.
Many people have called Dalston home. At the turn of the century, Jewish people arrived from Central Europe. Later, a large Caribbean community settled here. Today, you’ll find Turkish, Vietnamese, and Polish communities too.
Fassett Square inspired EastEnders’ Albert Square. Originally, the show planned to film on location. But the sets were rebuilt in Elstree for better control. Marie Lloyd, a music hall artist, lived on Graham Road. Her house now has a blue plaque.
Dalston has appeared in popular culture. The film Run Fat Boy Run was filmed here. The Mighty Boosh TV show is set in Dalston. Razorlight even recorded a song called Don’t Go Back to Dalston.
Dalston is a place of constant change. It’s a place where different cultures meet. It’s a place with a rich history. It’s a place that continues to evolve. Take a moment to soak in the atmosphere of Dalston.