Hoxton Square

Hoxton Square is a traditional London garden square in Shoreditch’s fashionable cultural quarter, well known for its art galleries, clubs, bars and restaurants. The square is a much appreciated green space for residents, workers and visitors alike in a densely urbanised area.

The park holds a Green Flag award. The awards are given to the best green spaces in the country and are awarded each year to make sure the quality of the green space remains high.

• management plan

Amenities

• historic fountain
• lawns
• gardeners’ hut with power

History

Hoxton Square is one of London’s earliest garden squares, details of which can be traced back to 1709. It was originally created as a central garden space to accompany a new housing development on what had previously been fields. The story of Hoxton Square’s history can be linked to the Austen family, Sir Samuel Beckett (Sheriff of the City of London in 1697) and Robert Hackshaw (a London ship owner and merchant).

It is thought that Hoxton Square was originally inspired by Bloomsbury Square which had been completed in 1664. Its layout has remained relatively unchanged since with recent refurbishments mindful of its historic roots. There’s more information on Hoxton Square’s past in the management plan.

Barbecues

Barbecues are not allowed in Hoxton Square.

Dogs

All dogs must be kept on a lead at all times. More information on dogs in parks.

STIK Sculpture – Holding Hands

In September 2020, we unveiled a four-metre-high, bronze sculpture by Hackney-based artist STIK in Hoxton Square.

Titled ‘Holding Hands’, it was the culmination of a four-year collaboration between STIK and Hackney Council and was been solely funded by the artist.

‘Holding Hands’ had its genesis in 2016 when Hackney Council asked STIK to design the official Hackney banner for the London Pride Parade featuring two non-gender specific figures.

In 2017, STIK began working with us to find a permanent home in one of Hackney’s many green-flagged parks. For ‘Holding Hands’, his first public sculpture.

STIK still continues to live and work in Hackney, where he has a studio.

Having struggled with homelessness in the past, a one time resident of St Mungo’s homeless shelter in Mare Street, STIK focuses on supporting homeless charities and organisations such as Cardboard Citizens and The Big Issue.

He also has a history of supporting local good causes and to date has raised over £250,000 for charities based in the borough.

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