Hornsey Historical Society's latest book - Margaret Hill: Pioneer of Care

Margaret Hill: Pioneer of Care comes from a rediscovered typescript: a biography written in the late 1970s by Carole Angier, commissioned by Margaret’s widower, A V Hill, and never before published. Abridged, with notes and a family tree, this edition focuses on Margaret’s work in Hornsey in the context of the wider story of her life.

Hornsey in the early twentieth century was a socially progressive borough, and Margaret found her place here. Sister of the economist John Maynard Keynes, and wife of Nobel laureate A V Hill, she was also a mother of four who painted, gardened and enjoyed home improvement. Moved by sympathy for disadvantaged people, she was elected to Hornsey Borough Council in 1929, founded the Hornsey Housing Trust in 1933 and later Hill Homes, directing her energy especially towards the welfare of elderly people. Practical compassion, a determined personality and a readiness to take risks marked her approach. A visionary idealist who got things done, Margaret made a huge contribution to this area of North London, and her pioneering approach to social housing and the care of older people has had a wide and lasting impact.

Available soon at the Hornsey Historical Society.