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In altitude the surface varies from 14.7 feet at the most easterly
corner of the river Lea, to 21.9 feet above mean sea level at the
lower part of Hackney Wick District, 36.8 at the northern extremity
of Victoria Park. The surface rises gradually towards the north,
57.2 feet at St. Barnabas' Church, Homerton, 56.5 feet at St. John's
Church, 74.3 feet at Hackney Downs, 96.7 feet at Springfield, and
109.1 near the junction of Upper Clapton Road and Stamford Hill.
In the northern part of the Borough the surface falls steeply to the
River Lea. There is a considerable area, known as Hackney
Marshes, liable to flooding, and occasionally some of the houses
bordering on the marshes become involved.
Geology.—The whole district rests upon the "London Clay"
which, with subjacent pebbles and sands, covers the chalk formation
to a depth of approximately one hundred and forty feet. Patches
of surface gravel are found in the Borough and in the valley of
the Lea.
Social Conditions.—During the last century Hackney used to
be a good residential suburb of London. Large numbers of city
merchants and business people used to reside in the Borough, and
were driven daily to and from the city in their own carriages, or in
hired carriages which came to be known as "Hackney Carriages."
Hired vehicles for passengers are now known by that title in all
districts throughout the County where bye-laws are in force with
respect to public vehicles plying for hire. So, also with respect to
"Hackney Horses" a term now abbreviated to "hacks"—there
is little doubt that the term arose in connection with horses let out
on hire in this Borough. Lapse of time and easier facilities tor
travel, however, have brought about a great change. Though there
are still many good residences, and many families who are "well
off," the Borough as a whole has ceased to be "residential" and
has become "industrial". Large numbers of workers are employed
in many different branches of industry; many factories have been
built; many large houses have been converted into factories and