Welcome to the newsletter of Clerkenwell & Islington Guides for February, with a listing of walks and tours over the coming months, starting with:
Islington’s Lost Entertainments
For centuries, Islington has been a popular destination for pleasure seekers. On this two-hour tour we’ll explore the activities and institutions that went from ubiquity to obscurity as London changed around them.
We’ll uncover Islington’s time as a land of pastoral excess; the antics of various rock-n’-rollers; the food; the fads; and the fights.
The walk begins outside Angel station and ends near Highbury and Islington station. Due to some mature themes, the walk is recommended for ages 15+
This walk takes place on the 15th of February, and can be booked by clicking here.
St Mary Islington – Church and Tower tour
St Mary’s, Islington on Upper Street has played a central role in the history of Islington for a thousand years. During this time several different churches have stood on the site, leaving an eclectic range of architectural styles.
On this 90-minute guided tour you’ll learn about the 12th-century Norman church and its 15th-century medieval successor. In the 18th century it was completely rebuilt, lasting until 1940 when St Mary’s became the first London church to be destroyed in World War II. Only the tower and steeple survived the bomb; the main body of the church was rebuilt in 1956, a fascinating example of post-war reconstruction and design.
As well as providing a glimpse into the history of St Mary’s and how it has influenced Islington today, you’ll also have the opportunity to climb the 120 steps to the top of tower, giving you a bird’s-eye view over London.
Caledonian Clock Tower
Climb 178 steps to the top of the Caledonian Market Clock Tower for fabulous panoramic views across London. On the way up you’ll learn about the history of the market and the area from our experienced and knowledgeable Islington Guides and get close-up views of the turret clock in action.
There are two tours on the 16th of February, and both can be booked by clicking here.
Oliver Twist Walking Tour
Victorian London was a dangerous place especially after dark, with highwaymen and other scoundrel’s waiting to pounce on anyone crossing their path.
Imagine stepping back in time to 1837, when London was a bustling city and not so different from today’s metropolis. You see people walking down the street with their heads held high as they go about business; no one would be talking on their phones, perhaps chatting amicably among friends or family members catching up after being apart for a while… But what would your Victorian life look like? How could you fit into this Age of Improvement which is so unlike ours here today? Would YOU survive?
Highwaymen roamed the roads exiting Victorian London, ready to pounce on anyone who crossed their path. A dark and dangerous place at night with Highway men waiting in the shadows just looking for an opportunity to make off with your valuables or even kill you if they had no intention of taking anything from you alive.
This Oliver Twist walking tour follows the footsteps of Oliver Twist and Artful Dodger as they make their way through London to reach Fagin’s lair, just like in Charles Dickens’ novel “Oliver Twist.”
– Authentic different tour
– Discover 1837 London
– Qualified guide
– Suitable for all age groups. Please note all children must be accompanied by an adult.
– Start: Angel Tube Station | End: Farringdon Station
This walk takes place on the 22nd of February, and can be booked by clicking here.
Evolving Islington – a walking tour
Discover how Islington developed from a rural settlement and centre for dairy farming into the diverse, bustling area it is today.
In 1086 the Domesday Book reported that Islington contained just 27 households. Today its quarter-of-a-million residents live in an area that boasts world-class cultural venues but also less green space than any other London borough.
The story of how Islington developed over the centuries provides many tales of social, cultural and political history. The walk takes in many of central Islington’s most fascinating sites – some well-known and others even locals may not be familiar with.
You’ll see a Tudor house that’s been in the same family since the 16th century, the first church bombed in World War II and some of the pioneering homes built in the early 20th century as Islington’s population boomed. You’ll also find out how the world-famous Union Chapel got its name and why you should never graffiti in a library book…
The tour lasts about 2 hours. It starts at Highbury & Islington station (we’ll meet at the round benches near the station) and ends in Islington Square off Upper Street, a 10-minute walk from both Angel and Highbury & Islington stations.
This walk takes place on the 2nd of March, and can be booked by clicking here.
Cultural Clerkenwell – a walking tour
Walk in the footsteps of Shakespeare and Dickens and see contemporary art in London’s oldest parish church.
Since the middle-ages, when religious pageants were held on the banks of the River Fleet and entertainers performed at the annual Bartholomew’s Fair, Clerkenwell has been a part of London steeped in cultural history.
Theatre, literature, music, film, architecture, food, sculpture and visual art spanning the last 900 years are all covered as we wander the streets and alleys of this atmospheric neighbourhood.
In addition to following in the footsteps of William Shakespeare and Charles Dickens, along the way you’ll hear how William Morris, Agatha Christie, Vladimir Lenin, William Hogarth and Benjamin Franklin have all left their mark on Clerkenwell.
In London’s oldest parish church you’ll see a striking sculpture by one of Britain’s most controversial artists. Down hidden alleyways you’ll find out about one of London’s great 17th-century theatres, a pioneering architectural partnership and an unsung champion of classical music. You’ll also see why this historic area has been a location for some of Hollywood’s biggest movies. And you’ll get the chance to see close-up the site that gave Clerkenwell its name.
The tour lasts about 2 hours. It starts outside Barbican underground station (Hammersmith & City line) and ends at Farringdon station.
This walk takes place on the 8th of March, and can be booked by clicking here.
A Road to Ruin Walking Tour
This is the perfect guided walk for those with a keen interest in history, London and alcohol. The walk ventures through Clerkenwell, historically an area of gin and beer production.
Explore the past and uncover the relationship between different classes in London and what this meant for the alcohol they were able to drink.
This walk takes place on the 9th of March, and can be booked by clicking here.
The calendar of walks, tours and events on our website is constantly updated throughout the month, and can be reached by clicking here.
Our next newsletter will be on the first Sunday in March.
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