Although now located at Potter’s Bar, Dame Alice Owen’s School still remains in the Islington psyche – many former pupils, known as Old Owenians, who were educated on the original site between Goswell Road and St. John Street speak fondly of their time there. Dame Alice Owen founded the school in 1613. But what motivated her … Read More
2022 marked the centenary of the death of Irish patriot Michael Collins. Last July I attended the unveiling of a plaque in Islington on a building that played a key role in Collins’ life. The Islington Heritage Plaque commemorating Michael Collins at 2B Barnsbury Street, N1 1PN (Photo: Caroline Morrison) Michael Collins, born in … Read More
We have two late entries for our list of December walks, so if you would like a break over the Christmas period, the following two walks provide excellent opportunities to get out and explore. WATERWAYS, WHARVES AND WAREHOUSES – A GUIDED WALK Today the tow path is open to all, lined with colourful houseboats, waterside … Read More
Part 3 of Oonagh Gay’s exploration of Finsbury Park’s musical history
Welcome to our listing of walks run by Clerkenwell & Islington Guides for June and July. A couple of walks have dates for today (Sunday 4th of June), so if you are looking for a fascinating walk for a sunny Sunday, take a look at the walk below, as well as the walk “Forgotten Fun: … Read More
Jennifer Watson-Bore takes a wander around the Islington’s second parish church. As you walk down Holloway Road from Highbury Corner, you will discover the church of St Mary Magdalene, with a small part of its churchyard opposite the façade of Islington Central Library. St Mary Magdalene began life in 1814 as a chapel-of-ease for St … Read More
Welcome to the May newsletter from Clerkenwell & Islington Guides, with a range of fascinating walks and places to explore during the coming month, starting with: Caledonian Tower Tours The Caledonian Tower tours run by Islington Guided Walks on behalf of Islington Council have some additional dates this summer. Tours are now running weekly on … Read More
In addition to leading walking tours in Islington our guide Chris Annus also regularly takes to the water… As a guide for the London Canal Museum I’m incredibly lucky to not only share the history of the Regent’s Canal with people but also take them through one of its atmospheric tunnels on our very own … Read More
Iain Monaghan reveals how Islington acquired a Caledonian Road, two ‘Caledonian Road’ stations, the Caledonian Estate and Caledonian Park… The story of how Islington has so many places named ‘Caledonian’ can be traced back to a single, long-demolished building: the Caledonian Asylum. The Caledonian Asylum was a charitable residential school founded by wealthy Scots in … Read More
Benjamin Franklin is one of history’s most famous Americans. Lulu Martyn-David explains the Founding Father’s deep links to our patch of London. Born: Boston, Massachusetts 17 January 1706Died: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 17 April 1790 What is a man who was born and died in America in the 18th century doing here on our latest Finsbury blog? Not just any man, but a … Read More