Historic Islington
Explore hidden histories, historic photos, and things you never knew about Islington from the collections and archives of Historic England.
Discover Islington's listed buildings and places
Introducing some of Islington's most significant historic sites, curated from the National Heritage List for England.
New River Head (former Metropolitan Water Board offices)
Islington
Utility company headquarters, now flats, 1915-20 and 1933-6 by Herbert Austen Hall, incorporating interiors from the demolished Water House of 1693.
Former Clerkenwell Fire Station
Islington
A former fire station with flats above, built 1912-1917 to the design of HFT Cooper of the Fire Brigade Branch of the London County Council...
Belvoir Estate
Islington
Social housing scheme of 1983-1987 by Islington Architect’s Department, under Chris Purslow (job architect Gerry Jury).
The Verger's Cottage and remodelled entrance (part of the former Camden Road New Church complex), Islington Arts Factory, 2 Parkhurst Road, LB Islington
Islington
A Verger's Cottage and re-modelled entrance, of 1908, by Ernest G Trobridge.
Nos. 31-57 Myddelton Square
Islington
A terrace of 27 houses, some now flats, along the east and north sides of Myddelton Square, laid out 1824-1827 by William Chadwell Mylne, Surveyor to...
44 Britton Street
Islington
Town house of 1986-1988 for Janet Street-Porter, designed by Piers Gough of CZWG and built by Mike Di Marco.
Mural at City of London Academy
Islington
Mural, c1964, by William Mitchell. Originally one of a pair.
Hanover Primary School and Railings, Panelled Walls and Gatepiers to Front (North) Elevation
Islington
Elementary school, now primary school. 1931-2 by the London County Council (LCC) Architects Department.
Gillespie Primary School
Islington
Board school, 1878-9, by E R Robson, architect to the School Board for London. Minor later alterations. Read the official list entry to find out more.
Bacon Smokehouse
Islington
Bacon smokehouse, 1877 by Charles Bell for ER Parker, provisions merchant. Converted to offices in the late C20.
The Mildmay Social Club including front boundary walls, railings and lamp posts
Hackney
Working men’s club including front boundary wall, railings and lamp posts.
War Memorial at Thornhill Road Gardens
Islington
First World War memorial. Erected 1920. Read the official list entry to find out more.
Former Engine House and attached boiler houses and coal store, New River Head
Islington
Pumping engine house with attached boiler houses and coal store.
Former Sunday school, lecture hall and vestry block to Union Chapel
Islington
Former Sunday school, lecture hall and vestry block to Union Chapel, 1876-7 by James Cubitt. Read the official list entry to find out more.
Monument To William And Catherine Sophia Blake, Central Broadwalk
Islington
DCMS agree- list at Grade II.
Monument To Hugh Pugh, East Enclosure
Islington
The monument to Hugh Pugh is listed at Grade II for the following principal reasons:<br/><br/>* It is an exceptionally well-preserved early-C19...
War Memorial at St Silas Church
Islington
The First World War Memorial at St Silas Church, Pentonville, erected in 1917 to the design of Arthur Walker, is listed at Grade II for the following...
Setted Street Surface
Islington
Setted road structure, comprising courses of granite setts of the 1860s and York flagstone pavements with granite kerbstones on the early C19.
Windmill base, New River Head
Islington
Base of windmill built 1707-8 to power water pumps. Tower demolished c1770 and in mid-C19, when the structure was converted to a store.
Boundary Walls, Gates and Railings to Bunhill Fields Burial Ground
Islington
Walls, railings and gates bounding Bunhill Fields Burial Ground, of 1868 (east side) and 1878 (west side), and a late C18 or early C19 wall with...
Postal Workers' War Memorial
Islington
War memorial erected 1920 and moved to its present site in 2013 .
Gabriel Family Monument, South Enclosure
Islington
The Gabriel family monument is listed at Grade II for the following principal reasons: It is located within the Grade I registered Bunhill Fields...
Monument to Thomas and Hannah Miller, South Enclosure
Islington
The monument to Thomas and Hannah Miller is designated at Grade II for the following principal reasons: It is located within the Grade I registered...
Monument to Thomas Rosewell, South Enclosure
Islington
The monument to Thomas Rosewell is listed at Grade II for the following principal reasons: It is located within the Grade I registered Bunhill Fields...
Monument to Alexander and Mary Waugh, North Section
Islington
Monuments to Alexander and Mary Waugh are recommended for listing at Grade II for the following principal reasons: They commemorate a leading Scottish...
Robinson Family Monument, South Enclosure
Islington
The Robinson family monument is listed at Grade II for the following principal reasons: It is located within the Grade I registered Bunhill Fields...
Historic Islington through time
The National Heritage List for England contains hundreds of details about buildings and places, including the periods in which they were built and the uses they've had over the years. Explore how your local area has changed through time.
Medieval AD 1066 to AD 1540
This period, sometimes known as the Middle Ages, began with the Norman invasion in AD 1066. It saw a significant rise in military and defensive buildings such as castles and earthworks, as well as religious houses dominating a largely agricultural landscape.
The monarchy and Church dominated the period, which also saw the break with the Roman Church and the English reformation.
Post medieval AD 1540 to AD 1901
The Post-Medieval period brought seismic changes to life in England, with religious reformation leading to the democratization of worship and the destruction of hundreds of religious houses.
In parallel, there was a huge expansion of scientific study and enlightenment that permanantly altered the nation's social structure and landscape. Industrialization and mass production lead to wider global trade, emigration, and immigration.
20th century AD 1901 to AD 2000
The 20th century saw an incredible expansion of England's transport networks, with suburban growth shadowing rapid infrastructural expansion. The establishment of state schools, hospitals, and modern technical colleges, with new architectural styles, radically changed the appearance of towns and cities.
Two catastrophic world wars and the 1918 pandemic also brought unprecedented change, altering England's built environment and social structures forever.
Medieval AD 1066 to AD 1540
This period, sometimes known as the Middle Ages, began with the Norman invasion in AD 1066. It saw a significant rise in military and defensive buildings such as castles and earthworks, as well as religious houses dominating a largely agricultural landscape.
The monarchy and Church dominated the period, which also saw the break with the Roman Church and the English reformation.
Post medieval AD 1540 to AD 1901
The Post-Medieval period brought seismic changes to life in England, with religious reformation leading to the democratization of worship and the destruction of hundreds of religious houses.
In parallel, there was a huge expansion of scientific study and enlightenment that permanantly altered the nation's social structure and landscape. Industrialization and mass production lead to wider global trade, emigration, and immigration.
20th century AD 1901 to AD 2000
The 20th century saw an incredible expansion of England's transport networks, with suburban growth shadowing rapid infrastructural expansion. The establishment of state schools, hospitals, and modern technical colleges, with new architectural styles, radically changed the appearance of towns and cities.
Two catastrophic world wars and the 1918 pandemic also brought unprecedented change, altering England's built environment and social structures forever.
Aerial photos of Islington
Historic aerial photography shows the growth and changes in England's urban and rural landscapes, revealing secrets that are impossible to see from the ground.
Finsbury
The Northampton Institute, St John Street and environs, Finsbury, 1947
Clerkenwell
The Spa Green Estate, Rosebery Avenue and environs, Clerkenwell, 1952
St Luke'S
Goswell Road, King Square and environs, St Luke's, 1947
St Luke'S
The Cannon Brewery, St John Street and environs, St Luke's, 1947
St Luke'S
The area around Priestley House, St Luke's Church and environs, St Luke's, 1947
St Luke'S
Union Glue & Gelatine Co Ltd Cransley Works on Garrett Street, St Luke's, 1951
Clerkenwell
New River Head Metropolitan Water Board Building and environs, Clerkenwell, 1928
Pentonville
The Priory Green Estate and environs, Pentonville, 1952
Islington
Morgan Mansions, the Mersey Estate and prefabricated housing at Ringcroft Street, Islington, 1947
Islington
Morgan Mansions, the Mersey Estate and prefabricated housing at Ringcroft Street, Islington, 1947
Historic England Archive images of Islington
The Historic England Archive holds and cares for over 15 million images, from the 1850s to the present day. Discover stunning images of Islington's past.
Eric de Mare
Islington, Greater London Authority
Date created: 1945 - 1980
Copy of an illustration taken from the Builder Journal depicting a design for houses and shops in Worship Street by Philip Webb.
John Gay Collection: London
Clerkenwell, Islington, Greater London Authority
Date created: 1950s
Men browsing at a second hand book stall on Farringdon Road, with the dome of St Paul's Cathedral visible in the distance
John Gay Collection: Highgate and Hampstead
Highgate, Islington, Greater London Authority
Date created: 1946 - 1999
Traffic along Highgate Hill on a rainy day, looking towards the Old Crown public house.
John Gay Collection: Modern Architects
Islington, Greater London Authority
Date created: 1972 - 1979
The exterior of 4a Wharton Street, a modern building constructed to the rear of early 19th houses on Wharton Street, Islington
John Laing Collection
Islington, Greater London Authority
Date created: 07 Oct 1971
Two workmen installing railings on a flat roof adjacent to the top floor of the Royal Scot Hotel during its construction
Alfred Newton and Sons
Clerkenwell, Islington, Greater London Authority
Date created: 1904
INTERIOR GREAT HALL SHOWING FIREPLACE
Nigel Temple Collection of Postcards of Parks and Gardens
Islington, Greater London Authority
Date created: 1920 - 1960
EXTERIOR GENERAL VIEW FROM GARDENS
John Gay Collection: London
Clerkenwell, Islington, Greater London Authority
Date created: 1950s
People browsing at a second hand book stall on Farringdon Road, with the dome of St Paul's Cathedral visible in the distance
John Gay Collection: Highgate and Hampstead
Highgate, Islington, Greater London Authority
Date created: 1946 - 1999
Traffic along Highgate Hill on a rainy day, looking towards the Old Crown public house
John Gay Collection: Modern Architects
New River Estate, Islington, Greater London Authority
Date created: 1972 - 1979
The crescent of early Victorian houses at Percy Circus in Islington
John Laing Collection
Islington, Greater London Authority
Date created: 01 Dec 1971
The south facade of the Royal Scot Hotel covered in scaffolding during its construction, viewed from the south-west with Great Percy Street in the...
Alfred Newton and Sons
Islington, Greater London Authority
Date created: 1904
DETAIL VIEW OF LEFT HAND FIGURE BEHIND EFFIGY
Stories about heritage in Islington
Historic England publishes news, blogs, videos and podcasts celebrating England's heritage. Discover the stories we have about Islington.
12 Places Connected to Queen Elizabeth I
Mentions Islington, The Charterhouse
Discover the locations where Queen Elizabeth I lived and visited, including Hampton Court Palace, Hatfield House and Kenilworth Castle.
7 Serene Cemeteries to Visit in England
Mentions Islington
These graveyards can offer space for quiet reflection or a peaceful walk.
The History of the English Science Lab
Mentions Shoreditch County Court and Attached Railings
The modern laboratory emerged in the 1680s when the University of Oxford built the first Ashmolean Museum.
12 Lost English Football Grounds
Mentions Islington
Take a trip back in time to grounds once home to clubs of the English football leagues.
11 Unusual Architectural Details That Reveal London’s Secret History
Mentions Islington
High up on London’s walls you will find historic and modern sculpted figures.
10 Hidden Creatures You Might Have Missed in London
Mentions Islington
London’s extraordinary sculpted creatures – great and small, historic and modern – are hiding in plain sight; easy to miss when the city is full of...
10 Brilliant Historic Bookshops
Mentions Islington
We love any excuse to celebrate a bookshop, with their comforting atmosphere and wonderful smell. Here are some highlights from around the country.
A Brief Introduction to Terraced Housing
Mentions Islington
The terrace is one of the most recognisable styles of housing in England.
Mentions Islington
Stanley Halls was built between 1903 and 1909 by the inventor and entrepreneur William Stanley as an entertainment venue for the community of South...
The Eccentric Architecture of Stanley Arts in South Norwood
Stanley Halls was built between 1903 and 1909 by the inventor and entrepreneur William Stanley as an entertainment venue for the community of South Norwood in South London.
Heritage at Risk in England Revealed in 2020
Mentions Unitarian Chapel
Historic England has revealed the historic sites most at risk of being lost forever as a result of neglect, decay or inappropriate development.
Explore your social history through photos
Over 10,000 images from the Historic England Archive have been specially selected and re-captioned for teachers, students, and anyone who wants to learn more about heritage in their local area.
Whitby Court, Holloway Estate, Holloway, Greater London
Period: 1970s (1970 - 1979)
A young boy colouring in a picture on a coffee table in the centre of a living room at Whitby Court on the Holloway Estate in Islington
Whitby Court, Holloway Estate, Holloway, Greater London
Upper Street, Islington, Greater London
Period: Edwardian (1902 - 1913)
A busy street view. There ia a clear view of a horse drawn bus with what appears to be a motor bus behind.
Upper Street, Islington, Greater London
Unitarian Chapel, 39 Newington Green, Stoke Newington, Greater London
Period: Georgian (1714 - 1836)
According to the plaque this chapel was "Erected A.D.1708, enlarged A.D.1860." An extension was added behind in the 19th century for a Sunday School.
Unitarian Chapel, 39 Newington Green, Stoke Newington, Greater London
Two children in a playground outside a block of Jespersen flats at Pooles Park, Islington, Greater London Authority
Period: 1970s (1970 - 1979)
In 1963 John Laing plc bought the rights to a Danish building system for flats known as ‘Jespersen’ or 'Jesperson'.
Two children in a playground outside a block of Jespersen flats at Pooles Park, Islington, Greater London Authority
Toll gate on Archway Road, Islington, London
Period: Victorian (1837 - 1901)
This toll gate on Archway Road was removed in 1871.
Toll gate on Archway Road, Islington, London
The Female Scarlet Fever Ward,London Fever Hospital, Islington, London
Period: Edwardian (1902 - 1913)
The London Fever Hospital was a voluntary run infectious diseases hospital founded in 1802, moving to Liverpool Road in 1848.
The Female Scarlet Fever Ward,London Fever Hospital, Islington, London
The Clock Tower, Caledonian Market, Islington, London
Period: Victorian (1837 - 1901)
This picture from a collection of photographs of Victorian London shows the meat market at 4.35 pm.
The Clock Tower, Caledonian Market, Islington, London
St John's Gate, St John's Lane, Clerkenwell, Greater London Authority
Period: Victorian (1837 - 1901)
The south face of St John's Gate during the construction of the adjoining building on the east side of St John's Lane.
St John's Gate, St John's Lane, Clerkenwell, Greater London Authority
Visit grant-aided places near you
These places and buildings have been helped by Historic England's financial grants. Find local heritage in your neighbourhood that you never knew existed! Please note that opening times may vary.
Parish Hall and Church of Our Most Holy Redeemer, Exmouth Market
Parish Hall and Church.
Discover more Heritage nearby
Have you got another local place, or somewhere you're planning to visit? Take a look at these other places nearby
Camden
Local Authority District
Hackney
Local Authority District
City and County of the City of London
Ceremonial County