Highbury lends its names to many things – a Place, a House, a Terrace, a Barn, some Fields, a Hill, and even a Hill House – to name some. In the 1700s it was a pleasant largely rural place to be. There was a lot of woodland and dairy farming around and being on slightly … Read More
Crackers invented in Finsbury As Christmas approaches and we start to prepare for the festival season, putting up the tree and decorations, buying the presents and starting to think just how big that turkey will be! Have you ever thought about those essential Christmas Crackers – where for a few days a year we laugh … Read More
A little way to the west of Canonbury Square, at the junction of Alwyne Place and Canonbury Place, is a square brick tower with many windows set on a diagonal, indicating the presence of a rising staircase inside. Passers-by are often intrigued by this building and its staircase which apparently goes nowhere. Those who investigate … Read More
Visitors to Caledonian Park who approach it from Caledonian Road will notice the railings that face Market Road and Fred White Walk. They date from 1855 when the Metropolitan Cattle Market opened on the site that later became the park. The railings were built to withstand pressure from the two-legged and four-legged creatures that thronged … Read More
Welcome to the second Clerkenwell and Islington Guides monthly newsletter of walks and events. Although we are now getting into winter, there are still plenty of opportunities to explore an aspect of the areas history, discover some fascinating buildings, and hear stories about the characters that have walked the streets of Clerkenwell and Islington, starting … Read More