Renowned minister’s ‘radical hymns’ to be celebrated at Abney Park event tomorrow

Abney Park. Photograph: Historic England

A celebration of a “radical” Hackney minister famous for his “controversial” hymns is to take place in Stoke Newington tomorrow.

At 7pm, Abney Park Trust will convene a discussion on the Georgian-era writer and theologian, Isaac Watts, “one of the park’s most famous connections”.

Born in Southampton, the clergyman lived at the Stoke Newington park’s manor for over three decades until his death in 1748.

According to the Trust, “Watts’ hymns were highly controversial, marking a transition away from the practice of psalm-singing”.

Tomorrow’s event will be delivered by academic Dr Daniel Johnson, one of the country’s “foremost Isaac Watts scholars”, who holds a PhD from the University of Leicester.

It is part of a series of talks for Abney Park’s ‘Radical Writers’ festival, sponsored by local butcher and delicatessen, MEAT N16.

Radical Writers will explore the works of those inspired by Hackney and the park’s “diverse history of radical thought and action”.

The Radical Hymns of Isaac Watts with Dr Daniel Johnson runs from 7pm-8.30pm at the Harriet Delph room by the cafe at the Stoke Newington High Street entrance to the park.

Tickets are £6 and can be purchased here.