Hackney Characters #1 – Blind Fred

Fred Peters was a blind beggar who used to sell matches and other small items to passers-by in Hackney Churchyard during the 1920’s and 30’s. Although he is not buried in the churchyard the place where he sat is commemorated by memorial plaque. The plaque is mounted on railings on the path between the Narroway and Sutton Place. It has a touching tribute which states: ‘Hereby was seen for many years Blind Fred A Sunny Soul’. Underneath this is a braille inscription ‘And this I know, where once I was blind, now I see.’http://www.flickr.com/photos/traxcitement/6305732006/ Blind Fred Plaque (photo (c) Traxcitement)