Place Name
Named in honour of William Spurstowe, a 17thCentury vicar of Hackney and benefactor who in 1666 gave lands for the poor on which were built the Spurstowe Almshouses for six poor widows of the parish. He died before his settlement was completed but the good works were taken up by his brother Henry Spurstowe the following year who gave lands to support their maintenance.
A plaque reads: “Out of the pious intention of William Spurstowe DD deceased formerly vicar of this parish of Hackney these six almshouses were erected & built Anno Dmni. 1666 for the habitations & dwellings of six poor widows of this parish of good life & conversation, who died before he made a settlement upon the said almshouses & after his decease Henry Spurstowe, late of London Esq, brother to the said Dr, to perfect & establish the Dr’s good work Anno Dmni 1667 settled for ever certain lands in the said parish on several trustees for the said six poor widows’ better support & maintenance & for no other persons whatsoever. In testimony whereof Henry Spurstowe of London gent. son of the said Henry hath erected this inscription Anno Domini 1689.
