CLERKENWELL & ISLINGTON GUIDES – WALKS AND EVENTS november 2024

Welcome to the November listing of our walks and events, and we start with three walks that are taking place today, Sunday the 3rd of November, so if you are looking for somewhere to explore today, here are three fascinating areas and subjects:

A WATERY WANDER AROUND KING’S CROSS AND ST. PANCRAS

An almost-circular walk around King’s Cross and St. Pancras stations and the extraordinary, vibrant redevelopment of what was a semi-derelict wasteland of railway lands. The area originally had a plentiful supply of water from the now-hidden River Fleet and associated lost springs and wells, then the man-made Regent’s Canal supplied more water from the early 1800s.
This walk explores how all things watery have influenced the development of the area, from lost pleasure gardens and an ancient church by a riverbank, to canal locks, steam engines and gas storage holders, then today’s inspiring water features and a tranquil nature reserve.

This walk starts outside King’s Cross Station, lasts 2 – 2 1/4 hours and ends near St. Pancras Station.

This walk takes place on the 3rd of November and can be booked by clicking here.

GEORGIAN LONDON WALKING TOUR

The Georgian period was considered to be elegant and polite. A new type of society had emerged in Britain; a more free, diverse and enlightened society.

The Georges may not have been the most exciting of Kings but it was a lively time, and much was achieved in their reigns.

The now world famous site of Sadler’s Wells had, however, a less salubrious in the past which we explore further on this guided walk.

On this guided walk we take you back to the days when the surrounding area had a raucous reputation and see how it transformed from a place to be avoided at all costs to a most desirable postcode. We explore Georgian North Clerkenwell discovering tales of radicals and clowns, we will see see great Georgian engineering feats from engineering to town planning, in an area where Georgians came to play and be entertained.

– Authentic different tour
– Discover Georgian London
– Qualified guide
– Suitable for all age groups. Please note all children must be accompanied by an adult.
– Start: Angel Tube | End: Angel Tube

This walk takes place on the 3rd of November and 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 awhile… 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 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.”

You can’t be too stealthy in London, especially if you want to avoid being caught by the police. The Artful Dodger and Oliver would have needed this skill when they headed into Fagin’s lair at night-time.

– 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 3rd of November and can be booked by clicking here.

A WATERY WANDER AROUND THE ANGEL ISLINGTON

This walk takes place on the 6th of November 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.

This tour takes place on the 9th of November and can be booked by clicking here.

RIBALDRY, RADICALS AND REFORMERS – THE NORTH CLERKENWELL WALK

Come and join us on this entertaining walk through 400 years of the development of this Georgian suburb – one of London’s earliest. Discover the 17th century civil engineering project that transformed the capital, the 18th century delights of Islington’s pleasure gardens such as Sadler’s Wells, the 19th century radicals who tried to ferment revolution and the world of Victorian scandal, crime and punishment. During our walk we will also meet the 20th century reformers who pioneered modern London, including the NHS and the world beyond.

This walk takes place on the 28th of November and can be booked by clicking here.

Our next newsletter will be on the first Sunday in December.