Islington & Clerkenwell in 50 Buildings

The London districts of Islington and Clerkenwell are charming to explore, with a variety of architectural styles from Tudor, Georgian, Victorian, modernist, and contemporary twenty-first-century design. Islington was renowned for its river, springs, and meadows, but industrialization transformed it into a residential area. Clerkenwell was famous for its monastery, priory, and nunnery, and was a haven for French Huguenot immigrants and later refugees and workers from Ireland, Prussia, and Italy. The River Fleet acted as Clerkenwell's main artery and the districts many springs were a prime reason for its development.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 96 pages
Publication date: 15 November 2021
Publisher: Amberley Publishing

The London districts of Islington and Clerkenwell are captivating places to explore, offering a diverse range of architectural styles that span from Tudor, Georgian, and Victorian to modernist and contemporary designs of the twenty-first century. In her book titled "In Islington & Clerkenwell in 50 Buildings," author Lucy McMurdo presents a visually appealing and engaging perspective on the rich architectural heritage of these areas.

Islington boasts a vibrant atmosphere. Its bustling main thoroughfare, Upper Street, is lined with an array of bars, restaurants, cafés, pubs, and clubs, earning it the nickname "Supper Street." For centuries, hostelries have thrived along this street, serving as a resting place for herdsmen traveling with cattle and sheep to Smithfield. Until the industrialization of the 1800s, Islington was renowned for its picturesque river, springs, and meadows, attracting hunters and archers as recreational destinations. However, industrialization brought about a significant population increase, transforming Islington's character and replacing open fields with terraced houses, Georgian squares, gin distilleries, warehouses, depots, and factories.

On the other hand, Clerkenwell has always been more densely populated. Until the 1530s, it was famous for its monastery, priory, and nunnery, and in the late 1600s, it became a sanctuary for French Huguenot immigrants, followed by refugees and workers from Ireland, Prussia, and Italy. The River Fleet, acting as Clerkenwell's primary artery, played a crucial role in its development, along with the abundance of springs in the area. The French Huguenots who settled in Clerkenwell brought with them a wealth of skills, including watchmaking, precision engineering, printing, bookbinding, and weaving. Many of these skills continue to be practiced in the area today, contributing to the area's rich cultural heritage.

In conclusion, Islington and Clerkenwell are two vibrant London districts that offer a fascinating glimpse into the city's architectural history. From the medieval monasteries to the industrialization of the 1800s, these areas have witnessed the evolution of architectural styles and the cultural diversity of their inhabitants. The book "In Islington & Clerkenwell in 50 Buildings" by Lucy McMurdo provides a well-illustrated and informative perspective on the rich architectural heritage of these areas, making it a valuable resource for anyone interested in exploring the architectural wonders of London.

Weight: 306g
Dimension: 165 x 235 x 15 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781398101456