This area of east London, located just north of Hackney, has been settled since Roman times. But the name is believed to be derived from a Saxon farm that was located here.

The area was predominantly rural for much of its history and the primary was agriculture. But by the end of the 19th century, industrialisation had reached the district.

But whilst much of the east end was developed into working class residential areas, Clapton was a popular middle class residential area. The district retained a middle class reputation right into the mid 20th century, but after the war it was re-developed with numerous council estates.

Since then Clapton has remained predominantly residential, and in 1965 became part of the borough of Hackney.