The London Borough of Islington is less than 40 years old. It came into being in 1965, when the former Metropolitan Boroughs of Islington and Finsbury united as part of a London-wide reorganisation.
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The former Borough of Finsbury was created in 1900, from a merger of Clerkenwell and Finsbury parishes. Like Islington, Clerkenwell has a long history. It took its name from the Clerk's Well at Farringdon Lane. In the Middle Ages, the London Parish clerks performed annual mystery plays there, based on biblical themes.
Clerkenwell had strong monastic traditions. The nuns of St Mary's, Clerkenwell, lived on the site of the present St James' Parish Church. The Monastic Order of the Knights Hospitallers of St John of Jerusalem, had its English headquarters in Clerkenwell. It was founded to give medical assistance during the crusades. St John's Gate is still there, in the rebuilt form of the Priory Gate. Carthusian Monks lived at the Charter House, near the boundary with the city. The Charter House later became a school and almshouse, which still remains.
Before Clerkenwell became a built-up area, it was famous as a resort where Londoners could disport themselves at its spas, tea gardens and theatres. Sadler's Wells has survived, after rebuilding, as heir to this tradition.
The area was greatly changed by the Industrial Revolution. It became a centre for breweries, distilleries and the printing industry. It was best known for clock and watch making, which once employed many people from around the area. Flourishing craft workshops still carry on some of the traditional trades, such as jewellery making. Many former industrial buildings have recently been converted into loft dwellings.
Islington's origins are in the distant past. It is mentioned in the Domesday Book in the 11th century, and in an earlier Anglo-Saxon charter. According to one early writer it was a savage place, a forest "full of the lairs of wild beasts", where bears and wild bulls roamed. On the edges of the forest was a pasture for hogs.
In the Middle Ages, most of the land belonged to religious institutions. After the dissolutions of the monasteries, much of it was given to aristocratic families, quite often friends of the Tudor monarchs. Islington grew slowly from a hamlet to a village, spreading along Upper Street and Lower Road, which later became Essex Road.
In time it became famous for its dairy herds and produce, supplying London with butter, cream and milk. As London grew, brick terraces began to take over the agricultural land. Local farmers turned to manufacturing bricks and developing property. With the advent of the railways came industrial development and corresponding social decline. Eventually many big houses and once elegant squares fell into disrepair. For much of the last century, Islington was a poor, down-at-heel area.
Post-war rebuilding and later gentrification improved both housing standards and the appearance of local streets. In recent years, although some significant social problems remain, Islington has become a desirable residential area. Run-down establishments have given way to smart restaurants, galleries and shops, whilst new shopping centres have grown up at the Angel and Nag's Head.
St Luke's parish split off from the City Parish of St Giles, Cripplegate, in the 18th century. Much of the area was originally marshland, drained in 1527. The city built a hospital for plague victims in 1594, the Pest House in Bath Street, and it remained there until 1736. Finsbury Fields were used for archery practice in the 16th century. At the time of the Great Fire of London, in 1666, homeless Londoners camped out there.
In 1665 Bunhill Fields Cemetery was opened for non-conformists. Many famous people are buried there including authors John Bunyan and Daniel Defoe. Preacher and founder of Methodism, John Wesley, lived opposite the fields, on City Road. His house is now a museum.
Page Last Updated: 31 October 2008