North of the old walled City of London is an area that for that shared 1,000 years of its history. The walls capped the city, but it didn’t cap its growth. Clerkenwell, an area of immense religious, social, political, judicial, cultural and… sensational history, was a by-product of the City of London, but developed much or it’s own nature. Yet, many of who work, live or visit London often miss the gems of this crown jewel.
Clerkenwell offers something for the curious, because that’s what it is, a curious neighbourhood. Remnants of medieval Europe can be found tucked away between modernity. Hardly seen in London since the Great Fire (1666), religious orders that were removed, transformed or survived the Dissolution of the Monasteries during the reign of Henry VIII, leave their mark on the historic area around the Clerk’s Well.
On this brilliant tour with a Clerkenwell and Islington guide, guests will learn of the roots of Clerkenwell, an area that has played a crucial role in Greater London’s and Britain’s history.
William Wallace, Mary I (aka Bloody Mary), Benjamin Franklin, Elizabeth I, Henry I, Charles Dickens, William Hogarth, Vladmir Lenin, Karl Marx, are just some of the names one would hear on a tour. Yet, not every aspect of Clerkenwell’s history reflects the common history known by many. Clerkenwell is connected to rich history that we remember, but also much that has been forgotten – yet no less fascinating.
From revolutionary social movements and technologies, radical politicians and transformation, religious orders and contributions, ancient and modern architecture, Clerkenwell offers those searching for history deep content, intrigue and excitement.
Such it is, that those looking for entertainment and to learn, have a rich “well” of historical resource – such it is, the Clerks Well of now Clerkenwell is certainly worth a start beyond the walls of London.
Begin by the Barbican within the City of London, and first learn of the rich history of Charterhouse. Here you’ll learn about its foundations; its terrible connection to the first recorded plague – the Black Death (1348); the legacy of the Dissolution of the Monasteries; how it housed Kings and Queens; its transformation into an Almshouse and its impact on the social history of London.
Visit the Smithfield Meat Market, the wondrous Victorian market built by Sir Horace Jones (Tower Bridge, Leadenhall Market). Seminal to the social history and trade to London, this site has a side other than meat that’s dark… executions. Smithfield seen such punishment ordered by monarchs throughout in medieval and early-modern England, they certainly put the dread in dreadful executions. Learn about William Wallace and the Mariam Protestant Martyrs during the reign of Mary I (Bloody Mary), and last but not least, how the Peasants Revolt came to an end by the Lord Mayor and an English King speaking… English (not French).
Take a stroll up memory lane, or St John’s Lane visibly at least, to the Dowcra Gate (also known as the iconic St John’s Lane). You’ll learn the monastic warrior knights (The Knights Hospitaler) and the Order of St John of Jerusalem. Medieval orders, honour and the Crusade – St John’s Gate offers a step back into the Middle Ages linking the real roots of Clerkenwell. Behold the gate built in 1504, during the Tudor times, and learn of the impact of England’s most influential Tudor… Henry VIII. Past Dissolution, into the early-modern times, St John’s Gate offers much for guests to enjoy – whether you would like to learn of the Georgian Taverns, print or the foundation of the modern St John’s Ambulance.
Should you want a green space, Clerkenwell Green offers a respite from the busy London streets, but perhaps not so much green today… but more, radical history. Learn all about the Middlesex Sessions House and its role in London justice. Nearby learn of the Marx Memorial Library & Workers School (Karl Marx), a library at the heart of socialist and communist history – indeed so, for that Lenin has strong links to London… and within its walls.
Moving further on into the old grounds of a nunnery, onto the former site of one of the revolutionary detention centres in Clerkenwell. The site of the Clerkenwell House of Detentions, a place that has seen significant transformation alongside the developments of British social, political, cultural, economic and judicial progress – one that has also seen also witness the plight of radicalism. As well as learn of revolutionary and radical utilitarianist influence, learn of revolutionary and radical insurrectionists.
Clerkenwell has a lot to offer, and this is just a taste. There is much more to experience, from glorious fields hosting rebellious meetings, beautiful architecture incorporating Second World War shelters, flows of water for drinking, dancing and acting! A coach inn for the cattle trade that gained the area an iconic London name. The stretch of Barbican to Angel offers one of the richest history-packed collection of roads, streets, paths, greens and waterways that any explorer of London should desire – so why not book now?