Jack Whitehead, who has died aged 98, was an inspired teacher by nature. No one ever had a conversation with Jack without learning something new, and yet he wore his knowledge lightly. He taught for many years in north London schools, wrote a series of books on the history of the area, and in retirement developed a unique resource aimed at encouraging children to learn through exploring their own local history.
Jack lived in north London all his life. He was born in Finsbury Park to Albert and Olive, who were musicians, and went to Tollington Park grammar school and Shoreditch Training College. His deep affection for his birthplace was the starting point for a series of self-published local history books, The Growth of Stoke Newington (1985), The Growth of Muswell Hill (1998), The Growth of Camden Town (2000) and The Growth of St Marylebone and Paddington (2001).
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