Journal of the Islington Archaeology & History Society

Journal of the Islington Archaeology & History Society Vol 5 No 3 Autumn 2015 incorporating Islington History Journal

Bombed – but back in business The Eaglet pub, open today, was a scene of devastation after a First World War air raid

Green plaque for Nina Bawden l Victorian prison could close l Listing for ‘respectable’ pubs l The suffragette who became a fascist l Bound hand and foot, and swimming in the Thames l An ornate Edwardian butcher’s shop l What next for Cally Park and Clock Tower? l Books, plus special offers l Events and exhibitions l Your local history questions About the society

Our committee What we do: talks, walks and more Contribute to this

and contacts he Islington journal: stories and President Archaeology & History pictures sought Rt Hon Lord Smith of TSociety is here to Finsbury investigate, learn and celebrate We welcome articles on local Vice president: the heritage that is left to us. history, as well as your Mary Cosh We organise lectures, tours research, memories and old Chairman and visits, and publish this photographs. Andrew Gardner, andy@ quarterly journal. We hold A one-page article needs islingtonhistory.org.uk 10 meetings a year, usually about 500 words, and the Membership, publications at Islington town hall. maximum article length is and events The society was set up in 1,000 words. We like receiving Catherine Brighty, 8 Wynyatt 1975 and is run entirely by pictures to go with articles, Street, EC1V 7HU, 020 7833 volunteers. If you’d like to but please check that we can 1541, catherine.brighteyes@ get involved, please contact reproduce them without hotmail.co.uk our chairman Andrew infringing anyone’s copyright. Treasurer Gardner (details left). The journal is published in Philip Anderson, phlpandrsn6 www.facebook.com/ print and online in pdf form. @btopenworld.com 8 www.islingtonhistory.org.uk groups/islingtonhistory.org.uk Deadline for the winter Academic adviser issue is 31 October. Lester Hillman, former visiting professor, Journal back issues and extra copies Ever wondered…? Metropolitan Business School, Do you have any queries about London Metropolitan Journal distribution is Islington’s history, streets or University overseen by Catherine buildings? Send them in for Journal editor Brighty (details left). our tireless researcher Michael Christy Lawrance Contact her for more Reading and other readers to Committee members copies, back issues, if you answer. Please note we do not Kathleen Frenchman move house and about keep an archive or carry out Michael Harper membership. Back issues family research. Derek Seeley can also be downloaded l See Letters, page 6 Samir Singh via our website at www. Zena Sullivan islingtonhistory.org.uk Copyright Copyright of everything in $ (photocopies acceptable) this journal lies with the Join the Islington Archaeology & History Society creator unless otherwise stated. While it can be difficult Membership per year is: £12 single; £15 joint at same address; concessions single £8/joint £10; to trace copyright ownership corporate £25; overseas £20; life: £125 (renewal forms sent out when due) of archive materials, we make every effort to do so. I/We would like single/joint/concession/joint concession/corporate membership and enclose a cheque payable to “Islington Archaeology & History Society” for ...... Contacts Editor: Christy Lawrance at Name(s) ...... [email protected]. uk, c/o 6 Northview, Tufnell Address ...... Park Road, N7 0QB

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2 Journal of the Islington Archaeology & History Society Autumn 2015 Vol 5 No 2 Journal of the Islington Archaeology & History Society

Incorporating Islington History Journal 

Vol 5 No 3 Autumn 2015

Museum is a travesty, not an inspiration

would usually welcome any new museum, but the new Jack the Ripper I“museum” is a travesty. Proposed as a Contents museum of women’s history, its content is dedicated exclusively to the 1888 Whitechapel murders and branded as such. News 4 Little is known about “Jack” – he was Pentonville prison could be closed and sold, Nina Bawden honoured with green never identified – and what evidence plaque, respectable interwar pubs listed and first civilian to win the Victoria there is covered seriously at the Museum Cross commemorated at Islington Green of London. It does not have a mock-up of what his living room “might have” looked Your letters and questions 6 like. To speculate about this, frankly, is Tracking down old street names, the church bells that went to Australia and ridiculous. some strangely grim paint A museum of women’s history should surely feature Boudicca, and perhaps open Terror from the sky  10 with a reading of Elizabeth I’s 1588 speech Civilians came under attack from above for the first time during the First at Tilbury to her troops before they World War defeated the Spanish Armada. It should cover great works of literature, from From suffragette to fascist  12 George Eliot to the Bloomsbury Set. The The women’s suffrage campaigner who became an activist for the British Union long story of the Suffragettes should be of Fascists championed, and the part women played in the struggle against in Cable A daring swimmer of Thames and sea 14 Street. In the 20th century and this one, Jules Gautier, who swam the Thames bound hand and foot there are the stories of the quest for acceptance in the male-dominated Beauty at the butcher’s 16 workplace and the still incomplete quest An Edwardian butcher’s shop on Hornsey Road displays many rare surviving for equal pay for equal work. features and architectural styles Displays could cover Caroline Chisholm in philanthropy and Elsie Chamberlain in Publications  18 pioneering the role of women in leading Magna Carta, Smithfield’s curious columns, Victorian dogs, Shakespeare’s faith. Properly devised, such a museum Globe, the Barbican and railway architecture – and special offers could ask for the endorsement of Elizabeth II, who served in the ATS. Reviews 22 Instead, we have a freak show with Extreme footwear and exquisite photographs mutilation as the main attraction. Unsavoury parts of history should not What next for Cally Park? 23 be ignored, but museums should leave Controversial plans that could see the clock tower reopen and a visitor centre visitors educated and inspired. built in the park Whether you visit this enterprise is up to you, but I’m staying away until it Events and exhibitions  24 fulfils its proper purpose. Lots of things to do and see, including Open House London

Andy Gardner Directory of societies, museums and resources 28 Chairman Islington Archaeology & History Society Islington Archaeology & History Society events 31

Journal of the Islington Archaeology & History Society Autumn 2015 Vol 5 No 3 3 news In brief ‘Ageing’ Victorian prison could close

Arts and heritage charity closes Pentonville prison and other “ageing and ineffective” We were sorry to hear that Victorian jails could be sold local arts charity Rowan Arts and the proceeds used to has closed due to financial build new prisons, justice difficulties. Its work included secretary Michael Gove has local history projects that told suggested. the stories of people and In a speech to the Prisoner places in Holloway and Tufnell Learning Alliance – his first Park, and it was working on a major speech on prison policy First World War project, with – Mr Gove said Pentonville an exhibition planned for was the “most conspicuous” October. Any organisations and “most dramatic example that could take on its existing of failure within the prison projects should contact info@ estate”. Pentonville prison in 1842, pictured in the Illustrated London News therowanartsproject.com. The jail opened in 1842. It l See Suffragette to Fascist, was intended to house 900 everyone in them and bullying and violence page 12. prisoners but now holds 1,300. building new prisons which designed out. He said: “We have to embody higher standards in He said Pentonville was “the Fascism discussed at consider closing down the every way they operate.” most dramatic example of Marx museum ageing and ineffective He added that money raised failure within the prison Victorian prisons in our major from selling old jails could be estate” but added that its Fascism: Darkest Hour, Finest cities, reducing the crowding invested in modern prisons problems “while more acute Moment in the context of East and ending the inefficiences that would be more secure than anywhere else, are very London was discussed at the which blight the lives of and safer, with drug-taking, far from unique”. recent Red Star festival of politics, culture and debate at the Marx Memorial Library. Interwar pubs with respectable aims listed This year, the Marx Memorial Library started holding Lark in the Park at Barnard regular tours: see page 26. Park – probably built in the 1920s – was demolished last Find a theatre plan year to make way for luxury flats. The Theatres Trust has l A dispute over the illegal finished cataloguing its demolition of the Carlton London architectural plans, Tavern in Maida Vale is to be recording over 5,000 items. settled by a public inquiry. The pub was built in 1920 in LMA annual closure the Vernacular Revival style by Frank J Potter. It was The London Metropolitan knocked down in April Archives will close on without permission by Thursday 29 October at Carlton Tavern: public inquiry to decide if it will be rebuilt developers CLTX; the pub was 7.30pm, reopening Monday being considered for listing at 16 November at 9.30am. Twenty-one interwar pubs include the Rose and Crown the time. have been listed, mainly at in Stoke Newington, the Royal In May, Westminster Council Local history centre to grade II. Oak, near Columbia Road ordered CLTX to rebuild it close for a month Their design was shaped by Flower market in Hoxton, the exactly as it was. CLTX has the “improved pub” movement, Stag’s Head, also in Hoxton, appealed to get retrospective Islington Local History Centre which aimed to attract more and the Duke or in permission for a new is closed (along with the rest respectable customers and Brixton. development and against the of Finsbury Library) from appeal to families and women. Around 3,000 pubs were order to rebuild the pub. 21 September for building They were often larger and built between the wars. They The dispute will be decided works. It will reopen on included restaurants, gardens are now a sadly overlooked by a public inquiry. CLTX Monday 26 October. Islington and meeting spaces. and threatened building type. wanted the inquiry to be held

Carlton Tavern: Ewan Munro Ewan Tavern: Carlton Museum is open as usual. Those listed in London Islington interwar pub the in private but this was refused.

4 Journal of the Islington Archaeology & History Society Autumn 2015 Vol 5 No 3 Success for Norton Folgate campaign Author and campaigner honoured Plans to redevelop Norton Folgate have been rejected by An Islington People’s Plaque Tower Hamlets council. to commemorate Nina Campaigners said the Bawden was due to be proposals would “erase” the unveiled as the Journal went area’s history. Councillor John to press. Pierce said they would cause Nina Bawden (1925-2012) “substantial harm” and that was the author of many books “conservation belongs to for adults and children, some the people”. of which drew on her life in Islington. Mount Pleasant legal She was born and grew up challenge rejected in London. She lived at 22 Noel Road from 1976 until The high court has thrown out her death in 2012, where the a case against London mayor plaque will be installed. Boris Johnson’s approval of Her most famous book was the development at Mount Carrie’s War, a moving and Pleasant. Islington and entertaining story based on Camden councils had brought her experience of being a judicial review against the evacuated from London to mayor’s decision, especially south at the start of the over the amount of affordable Second World War. housing on the site. She was seriously injured in the Potters Bar train crash in Where to look up 2002 in which her husband, Anglo-Saxon language Austen, and six other people were killed. She campaigned Nina Bawden: her books drew on her life in Islington A new edition of A Thesaurus tirelessly to make the railways of Old English has gone online. safer and to hold those The next green plaque to be was unveiled in June. It stood This presents the vocabulary responsible for the accident unveiled will commemorate for 90 years from 1868 until it of Anglo-Saxon by to account. Mary Tealby (1801-65), who was demolished in 1958; topic, and shows the meanings Success came when it was founded the Home for Lost Barnes Court, built by of words over time. recognised that poor and Starving Dogs in 1860, Islington Council, is now on l http://oldenglishthesaurus. maintenance in the private which became Battersea Dogs the site. arts.gla.ac.uk/ sector had been the cause  and Cats Home. It will be The unveiling was attended of the accident, and routine installed at Freightliners Farm by around 100 people including British Library gains railway maintenance is  in Holloway, which has the some former attendees, the grade I listing now the responsibility of nearest buildings to where the penultimate couple to get Network Rail. first dogs’ home was in married at the synagogue, the The British Library has been Islington People’s Plaques Hollingsworth Street. great nieces of the first rabbi, given grade I listed status. commemorate people, places A green plaque to mark the Morris Joseph, and the great Designed by Sir Colin St John and events, and are decided by site of the North London great granddaughter of the Wilson and MJ Long, it is the public vote. Synagogue in Lofting Road builder of the synagogue. largest public building built in the UK in the 20th century. Plaque for heroic WW1 captain During the attack, Parslow weaved his ship back and A memorial paving stone for Californian, from a German forth to avoid fire. He was Master Frederick Parslow, the submarine off the coast of killed in the attack – his son, first civilian to be awarded the Ireland. His unarmed ship was also called Frederick, then Victoria Cross during the First carrying 927 horses from took over. World War, has been unveiled Canada destined for the Four more paving stones to at Islington Green. Western Front. commemorate Islington men Merchant sailor Frederick The ship was chased by the who were awarded the Read more news – and other Parslow, who was born in submarine for three and a half Victoria Cross during the First material – at www.facebook. Balls Pond Road, saved his hours before being rescued by World War are due to be

com/groups/islingtonhistory ship, the SS Anglo- Royal Navy ships. unveiled in the next few years. Author the Gentle Nina Bawden:

Journal of the Islington Archaeology & History Society Autumn 2015 Vol 5 No 3 5 Letters and your questions We welcome letters. Our researcher Michael Reading can answer your questions, so get in touch if you have a query about Islington, or can answer or add to anything here

Tracking down the renamed St Mary’s parish records Norfolk Road show that both these children I am slowly tracking down my lived at Adam and Eve Lane. mum’s family but we are Another daughter, also hampered by Londoners’ habit named Ruth Amelia, was born of changing their street names on 28 August 1849 and every 50 years. baptised on 30 September My great grandfather was 1849. The family now lived at born in Islington in April Rutland Terrace, which I 1884. I have a copy of his birth believe is still there, opposite certificate, which tells me: the Emirates Stadium. l His father was Frederick The Chase family does not Vaughan, tobacconist; appear in the 1841 census, l His mother was Kate although they were living in Vaughan, née Gibbons; Adam and Eve Lane. Why l They lived at 18 Norfolk they don’t appear goodness Road, Islington. knows, but I have looked at Where was/is Norfolk the original census returns Road? Can anyone tell me? and they’re not there. Maybe I am pondering: The Norfolk Arms (now Hops & Glory) opened on the corner of they were out when the l What life would have been Norfolk Road (now Mitchison Road) and Essex Road in 1869 enumerator called and not all like as a tobacconist in 1884; enumerators called back, or l What life might have been is shorter now than when it Islington was, as my great maybe they were simply like if the breadwinner died in was built. It did not suffer any great grandparents, Francis (a overlooked. 1890 (before the 1891 census, damage during the Second cordwainer) and Ann Chase I would visit the Islington at any rate). World War. lived there for about 10 years. Local History Centre but live The best of times, the worst Despite the change of street My great grandfather, in Cheltenham, so any help of times perhaps. name, I do not think the street William Richard Chase, was will be much appreciated. Ben Wyndham was renumbered. born on 5 December 1838. Glyn Evans Scone, NSW Australia, St Mary’s parish records Via Facebook [email protected] Michael Reading show he was baptised on I wonder if this would this 12 December 1838 and lived I believe it was off Liverpool Norfolk Road in Islington was have been a comfortable place at Chapel Place. Road, near the Holloway Road built in 1861-62 and its name to live in 1884. The buildings The next child, Susan end. There was an Adam and was changed to Mitchison all look nice enough and I Rebecca Chase, was born on Eve pub there. Road in 1938, when many think they would have been 26 January 1841 and baptised Caroline James streets in Islington were also reasonably new at the time. on 28 March 1841. Via Facebook renamed. Ben Wyndham The address by then was Mitchison Road is on the Adam and Eve Lane, so the Caroline is right. The Adam east side of Essex Road (a Adam and Eve Lane family moved there from and Eve is now a restaurant on main thoroughfare) near to its I wonder if anyone knows Chapel Place between those the corner of Liverpool Road north end. The present street where Adam and Eve Lane in two baptismal dates. and Sheringham Road. The They were still there when a road took that name in 1897, daughter, Ruth Amelia Chase, having been Westbourne Road The family does not appear in the 1841 was buried on what would East from 1860 and Adam and have been her second birthday, Eve Lane before that. It was census, although they were living there. 1 June 1845 (how sad is that!). once part of Hagbush Lane, a Maybe they were out when the The last child to be born in meandering alternative to enumerator called and or maybe they Adam and Eve Lane was Holloway Road from Highgate Edward Alfred Chase on 29 to Lower Holloway. were simply overlooked June 1845, who was baptised Barry Edwards on 7 September 1845. Via Facebook

6 Journal of the Islington Archaeology & History Society Autumn 2015 Vol 5 No 3 Thank you, Caroline and Barry. St Paul’s was consecrated on Another piece of the Chase 23 October 1828; it was family jigsaw in place! They designed by architect Sir were at no 3 so I guess a Charles Barry, who went on to couple of doors along from design the Houses of the pub. Parliament. Glyn Evans The church had some Via Facebook restoration work carried out in 1888 and again in 1901. Trying to capture Over 30 years have passed Castle Court since the church closed and, I am trying to find out more in that time, I believe the about Castle Court on building has had several Furlong Road which is beside different occupants. what is now the closed Bailey I contacted the Diocese of pub on Holloway Road. London and was told that an I believe the Bailey pub act of deconsecration does not (formerly known as the take place as such, but the Castle) and the property removal of the legal effects of adjoining it along Furlong consecration were carried out Road (previously known as in 1981, which has the same Albion Road) was one big inn effect. in the 19th century. This Christ Church in Claremont in Western Australia: contains six I received the following became a bakery then was bells that came from St Paul’s in Canonbury message from the diocese: divided into the current layout “The church is by Sir Charles of corner pub plus floor. I have no knowledge of tower), were removed at the Barry and was built in neighbouring flats. when the name Castle Court time of deconsecration and 1826-28. It is one of three I’ve searched through some came into use. held by the Keltek Trust until commissioners’ churches in old history and topographical they were purchased by a Islington by Barry, the others books but can’t find any Canonbury church bells Perth business man Laith being St John Upper Holloway specific reference to this sent to Australia Reynolds and gifted to Christ and St John Balls Pond Road pub/inn. I am trying to find when Church in memory of his late [commissioners’ churches were Any historical info you have St Paul’s Canonbury was younger brother Frank, a built under 1818 and 1824 on the old pub or bakery (or deconsecrated. laws drawn up to increase the even confirmation whether Six of that church’s eight number of Anglican churches the building was used for bells have hung at Christ I wonder if this built]. Barry designed two these purposes) would be Church in Claremont in would this have others – St Peter in St Peter greatly appreciated. Western Australia for just over Street and Holy Trinity Paula Yau 25 years. been a comfortable Cloudesley Square. [email protected] When recently studying place to live “St Paul’s was altered in the some photographs of the in 1884 1880s and 1901 when vestries I have searched through church I noticed that it was 95 were added to each side of London street directory CDs years (on 28 June) since the tower. covering several years but bells were dedicated – to the diocesan trustee, who died “After redundancy, two have been unable to find any peace following . aged 37. successive church uses failed. reference to a baker’s shop in I have been able to find a The six bells are now After this, it was converted Albion/Furlong Road. little about the church, but the regularly rung full circle into a Steiner school, which However, the Ordnance date of its deconsecration has several times every week. subdivided the interior at nave Survey map for 1871 shows a escaped me. I have been told We anticipate a significant and gallery level and enclosed space between the Castle that it was in 1953, but would celebration on the centenary new rooms at the west end. In public house and the other be grateful if you could of the dedication of the bells 1998, there was a fire in one of buildings in Albion Road. The confirm this. in 2020. the wings to the tower; the map for 1894 shows that the The remaining two bells are Peter McKerracher roof was replaced but, by space has been filled in. This now hung in a secular tower By email 2007, the fabric as a whole would suggest that the at the civic centre in had become severely building accommodating nos Rockingham, also in Western St Paul’s Church Canonbury dilapidated. 2a and 2b is a later addition. Australia. closed in 1981 and in 1982 “The fine clock was restored The appearance of the I believe the bells, which was joined to the with a single chime on the facade indicates that the were never rung full circle neighbouring parish of St Jude hour. One of the original bells building may once have had a (because of structural Mildmay, to become St Jude & may have been used to this. shop or shops on the ground concerns regarding the St Paul’s. The other bells (or all if a new Claremont: Leon Brooks Munro; Christ Church Hops and Glory: Ewan

Journal of the Islington Archaeology & History Society Autumn 2015 Vol 5 No 3 7 bell was installed) were Edward Sullivan I haven’t been able to find removed to Australia. (sometimes O’Sullivan) is out much about these “There is a separate hall to shown in the 1881, 1891 and buildings, which I believe are the west by EM Barry, which 1901 census as living with his still standing. Were they is used as the church on family at 7 Compton Terrace, stables below and living Sundays, and by the school Islington. He was born about quarters above? during the week.” 1850 in Islington and married My paternal grandfather, Michael Reading Rose around 1899. Alfred Sullivan, was born at In the 1881 census, he is 7 Compton Terrace in 1905. Compton Terrace shown as working as a Is there any information on I am emailing from New “coachman”. In the 1891 these buildings and what When was dark oxblood a paint Zealand and was hoping for census, they are still in 7 resources could I review to colour of choice in the home? help on information on a site Compton Terrace and he is a find out what coachman and in Islington. Both my “general coachman groom”. coachman commercial suggest you subscribe to a maternal and paternal great The 1901 census shows his entailed? commercial genealogy grandparents lived in occupation is “coachman I am assume that my family company, such as Ancestry Compton Terrace. commercial”. lived in Compton Terrace to (www.ancestry.co.uk) or be near to Compton Mews, Findmypast (www. where the horses and findmypast.co.uk). As you Occupiers of 1 Camden Street/Walk equipment were kept. have their dates of birth, you 1859 Camden Street I am having trouble finding should be able to find their out when and where Edward dates of death. No 1 William Farmer, cabinet maker died – perhaps finding out Michael Reading 1869 more about his occupation No 1 Eli Uphil, greengrocer and the buildings might help. Do the Camden Walk No 1½ John Bowyer, tobacconist There is no trace of him in the I wondered if you or any of 1911 census so he must have your members would know 1880 died between 1905 and 1910. anything of the history of No 1 John Smale, Tailor; John Lewis, engineer Linda Hill (née Sullivan) 1 Camden Walk or what the No 1½ Mrs Ann Cockedge, newsagent Via email best source of information 1899 would be. Compton Terrace still exists, I have tried the Islington No 1 Leonard McLean, saddler and is at the north end of Local History centre and the No 1A Edward Earl, furniture dealer Upper Street (a major London Metropolitan No 1½ Stephen Warburton Peacock, tobacconist thoroughfare in Islington); it Archives and searched British runs parallel to it and is History Online. 1906 separated by a garden. It I have found a few images, No 1 Haddon & Co, book sellers originally consisted of 32 but would love to find any No1A Stephen Warburton Peacock, chandler’s shop terraced houses (11 were photographs of the building in No 1½ Stephen Warburton Peacock, tobacconist destroyed by a V1 flying bomb its setting from before the in 1944). Building began in 1960s, particularly the 1912 1806-10, then the builder went Camden Passage side when No 1 Haddon & Co, book sellers bankrupt, and the terrace was there was a two-storey No 1A John Perry Rutherford, chandler’s shop completed in 1821-31. building attached. David Richmond No 1½ Stephen Warburton Peacock, tobacconist At the rear of the houses were long gardens, then [email protected] 1921 another street, now called No 1 Haddon & Co, book sellers Compton Avenue. It was Camden Street (the name was No 1A Archibald Frederick Bulford, chandler’s shop formerly Compton Mews and changed to Camden Walk in the obvious place for residents’ 1938) was built in 1776 on No ½ Benjamin James Passant, tobacconist horses and carriages. land owned by the Earl of 1930 As for the details of the Camden (formerly Charles No 1 TW Haddon & Co, book sellers occupation of coachman Pratt, an 18th century lord No 1A Mrs B Purser, chandler’s shop commercial, it may be that chancellor). you have in New Zealand The 1801 map I have of No 1½ William Harold Thomas, newsagent copies of Kelly’s directories for Islington, which is not very 1939 Camden Walk the 19th century for London, detailed, shows a solid line of No1 T W Haddon & Co, surgical appliance makers which should hold details of buildings on the east side of No 1A Mrs Agnes Hearn, shopkeeper the coaching industry. the Lower Street (now Essex To trace your great Road) opposite Islington No1½ Thomas William Howell, newsagent grandparent’s death, may I Green, turning into Camden

8 Journal of the Islington Archaeology & History Society Autumn 2015 Vol 5 No 3 Street and ending at the far as I know, he lived there alleyway opposite the Camden with his parents and three Head public house. brothers until the war broke As the population of out when he was evacuated to Islington at this time was Bedford. In those days, the pub under 10,000, I would venture was described as an ale house. that this line of buildings was I last went there with my residential. However, as husband in 1981 and he said it Islington’s population grew had hardly changed at all. Last throughout the 19th century Sunday, I also thought it had (to 345,000 by 1900) some not changed since I last saw it. properties were converted I would be very grateful for into commercial, industrial any old photographs and and business use. information about the pub. An 1808 painting of Diana Weston Islington Green and nearby [email protected] premises seem to confirm this. The London Post Office The Compton Arms was an Street Directory lists ale house for a long time occupiers, and is held on before it had a wines and microfilm at the London spirits licence (this is why it Compton Arms: does not appear on older maps when it was an ale Metropolitan Archives. I have doesn’t turn up on older house without a licence to sell wines and spirits listed the occupiers for several Ordnance Survey maps). It years (see box opposite). has not changed much in a Can anyone help regarding painted wallpaper (pictured The London Metropolitan long time, although several this grimly coloured paint? opposite). Archives has an extensive decades worth of varnish has I live in a flat in a converted I don’t know who lived here collection of photographs of recently been removed from 19th century house in before the housing association Islington, particularly of the its fittings. Northchurch Road. bought it, but it seems the period after the Second Andrew Gardner The housing association textured wallpaper was slapped World War. Chairman, Islington that owns is have started on this with nothing in The Islington Local History Archaeology & History overhauling and redecorating between, so it might have Centre may have historic Society the property, which included been there for years. documents such as rent and stripping the textured Does anyone know more rates books for this area, H is for Haberdashers wallpaper off the entrance hall about this type of decor and which may help you in your Regarding the property mark walls. What they uncovered, when it dates from? research. in Kelross Road (Letters, without much effort, was a Katy Santos Michael Reading summer 2015, page 6), I strangely grim oxblood [email protected] deduce this belonged to the Thank you so much. We are Haberdashers Company. redeveloping the site of what Above the H one sees a was called 1½ Camden Street/ truncated lion rampant Walk, a two-storey building (pictured right). The complete attached to the Camden lion is an emblem on the shield Passage side of 1 Camden of the Haberdashers Company. Walk. Presumably there are other It seems to have been examples around. demolished in the 1960s but Malcolm Tucker we have been unable to Via email Could the H on this plaque refer to the Haberdashers’ Company? pinpoint exactly when it was built or find any photos of it other than an aerial image. Write to us David Richmond l Email the editor at [email protected] l Write to the editor c/o 6 Northview, Tufnell Park The family who lived over Road, N7 0QB the Compton Arms l Via www.facebook.com/groups/islingtonhistory; I was in London on Sunday posts printed will give Facebook usernames visiting the Compton Arms, where my late husband The society won’t trace family trees, but can help with, Ronald Weston lived as a say, finding information on a family member’s business child. or home. Letters and Facebook posts may be edited.

He was born in 1926 and, as Walker Arms: Julian Commons; Compton Wikimedia Haberdashers’ emblem: Pedler; Katy Santos H marker: Jen Paint:

Journal of the Islington Archaeology & History Society Autumn 2015 Vol 5 No 3 9 Terror from the sky

Islington came under attack from above during the First World War. Mark Aston describes the air raids and the devastation they caused

The first bomb fell near Stoke Kapitanleutnant Heinrich Mathy, Newington Railway Station. Linnarz Zeppelin L13 bombed streets and then headed to Islington, dropping buildings, destroying 61 Farringdon a bomb on 50 Mildmay Road, Road; it bears a commemorative which caused extensive damage. plaque. A huge 300kg bomb James Warner, aged 59, who lived dropped near Bart’s Hospital, at no 49, suffered burns to his face. blowing a three-metre deep hole in Zeppelin LZ38 then turned the ground and causing widespread towards Balls Pond Road where, at damage. The airship then headed no 187, Henry and Caroline Good met their deaths. The verdict at the inquest said they had “been murdered by some agent of a hostile power”. It was reported that their charred bodies were discovered kneeling by their bed as if in prayer. Incendiary bombs were dropped Clockwise from uring the First above: 144a along Southgate Road – all fell into World War, civilians King’s Cross gardens or roads. Resident Mr were in the line of Road, where a Cook recalled: “People flung up fire for first time as 13-year-old boy their windows and saw an Britain came under was killed; PC astonishing sight, the roadway a Dattack from the air. Damage was Alfred Smith, mass of flames… the sky was red widespread and people were killed in who saved the with the light of flames.” their homes, workplaces and schools. lives of women In total, 120 bombs were The first air raids were carried and girls in dropped. Seven people were killed Finsbury during out by Zeppelin airships in January the first daylight and 35 injured; 41 fires started, 1915. At 11,000 feet, Zeppelin raid on London, burning out seven properties. A engines would cut out for surprise who died in the week later, LZ38 was bombed in its attacks – they were described in attack; Heinrich shed in Belgium and destroyed. towards Liverpool Street Station, British propaganda as “baby killers”. Mathy, Zeppelin The most devastating Zeppelin dropping bombs en route. The first Zeppelin raid on London commander; raid on the capital occurred on the The destruction was the highest occurred on the night of 31 May- Zeppelin LZ38, night of 8-9 September 1915. recorded for any single airship raid, 1 June 1915. Hauptmann Linnarz used in the first Commanded by 37-year-old accounting for nearly a fifth of the carried small high-explosive and air raid on total air raid damage to Britain. In London incendiary bombs on his LZ38 London, £530,787 of damage was airship, intent on killing or maiming caused; 22 people died and 87 were as many people as possible. injured. Mathy died when his airship was shot down the following year. As the war progressed, airships were replaced by Gotha G.IV bombers then by Gotha GI.V and R.VI Giant heavy bombers. The lives of many women and girls in Finsbury were saved during the first daylight raid on London by 37-year-old Metropolitan Police constable Alfred Smith. During a heavy bomber Gotha raid on

10 Journal of the Islington Archaeology & History Society Autumn 2015 Vol 5 No 3 13 June 1917, he conducted around 150 women and girls back to the safety of the Debenhams factory where they worked. Among them was Mrs Tripp: “I and all the others were happily working when all of a sudden, we felt the building shake. Someone came rushing in shouting ‘Air raid – quick!’ At the sound of exploding bombs, a man made a beeline for the street only to be cut down by shrapnel, fatally injured. A second followed but was chopped down as shrapnel cut into one of his feet. “This left only the manager to try and hold back the rush of women storming down the stairs to get outside. I was the first to run down the stairs and into the street, when a constable [PC Smith] rushed up and pushed me and all the others back.” Seconds after the last woman was House in at 124 Seven Sisters Road. The Packington Road, killing seven pushed back into the building, Alf Alwyne Road ground and first floors, as well as people and injuring three. Smith was killed by an explosion. wrecked in an the cellar, were wrecked and four Islington resident Mrs Chater A Royal Doulton memorial air raid on people died: Janet Rebecca Crouch, later recalled: “I took my youngest 29 September tablet to Alfred Smith “killed in an aged 28, wife of the pub’s licensee; child to shelter in the crypt of St 1917; the air raid while saving the lives of bomber William Kyte, aged 48, a draper’s Mary’s… when the bomb fell on women and girls” can be seen at involved was a assistant; Ellen Rose, aged 68; and my house in Packington Street, six Postman’s Park in the City. Gotha G.IV, like Thomas Henry Slark, aged 23, were killed and my 18-year-old that below recently discharged from the army. daughter still suffers from fits.” Sustained bombing “I lost a leg and my fiancé Mr CA Francis, another resident, The Harvest Moon offensive – five [possibly Thomas Slark] later died recalled: “My mother and brothers raids over eight days – started on 24 from injuries we received whilst and sisters and I were living in September 1917 and was met with sheltering in the Eaglet,” recalled Packington Street, Islington, when intense anti-aircraft fire. Two Gothas Mrs Kate Davis. Fifteen others were seven persons (two men and five flew over north London around injured, including Janet Crouch’s women) were killed at no 110. 8.35pm, dropping explosive and husband and two children. When I visited the wrecked house incendiary bombs on Grosvenor and The Eaglet was restored and is the next morning, there was a bird St Mary’s roads and Alwyne Square, open today. in a cage still merrily singing.” before heading towards King’s Cross. The Whitsun raid on 19-20 May The German aircraft suffered A bomb fell on 144a King’s Cross 1918 was the 15th and last night heavy losses – six were shot down Road, killing 13-year-old James raid on London and the largest of and a seventh was forced to land. Sharpe and injuring seven others. the war, with 41 German aircraft By May 1918, over 60 Gothas had Having helped his mother to carry taking part. A Gotha dropped a been destroyed and the aerial threat his brothers and sisters across the 100kg bomb and a 50kg bomb on was effectively over. In three years, road to a shelter, he had returned 1,413 people had been killed and to help his ill grandfather just as 3,409 injured in Britain. Just over one the bomb exploded. He was buried per cent of deaths were in Islington. under rubble and died from a Air raids made the British fractured skull. government deeply aware of the On the night of Saturday 29 need for a national aerial defence September 1917, a lone Gotha GI.V system, and one was set up. With heavy bomber dropped a number of radar, it provided the country with 50 kg bombs on Alwyne, Benwell, defence against German war planes Orpingley and Hornsey roads, when they returned with a killing one person, injuring nine vengeance in 1940 and beyond. n others and damaging 69 properties. The highest loss of life and injury Mark Aston is local history manager, during this raid was from a bomb Islington Local History Centre and falling on the Eaglet public house Museum Museum War Alfred Smith: Islington Local History Centre; all other pictures: Imperial PC

Journal of the Islington Archaeology & History Society Autumn 2015 Vol 5 No 3 11 From suffragette to fascist

Norah Elam was a campaigner for women’s suffrage who became an active member of the British Union of Fascists, writes Beatrix Mortimer

orah Elam was held interrupted the Bishop of London’s in Holloway prison sermon, shouting: “My lord, in the several times in the name of God, stop forcible feeding. 20th century – first I myself am a prisoner under the for suffragette then Cat and Mouse Act and will be fNor fascist activities. arrested on leaving the abbey.” This Elam was born in Dublin in 1878 act was planned to generate to John and Charlotte Doherty; in publicity; she was immediately 1888, her family moved to arrested and taken back to Teddington on the outskirts of Holloway prison. London. In 1909, she married Her final arrest in 1914 was for Charles Richard Dacre Fox, a trying to deliver a letter written by wholesale stationery clerk. to King Before the outbreak of the First George V at Buckingham Palace. World War, Elam, then in her early She was awarded a medal with 20s, was heavily involved with the three bars from the leaders of The WSPU became more Norah Elam suffragette movement. She joined WSPU for her dedication. jingoistic. The Suffragette, under c1913 (then the Women’s Social and Political From 1915, the WSPU started to the name Britannia, promoted the married to Dacre Fox) Union, founded by Emmeline become more right wing. Members “internment of all people of enemy Pankhurst, in 1912, becoming  began to focus their attention on race” in Britain. Elam began a its general secretary in 1913  the war effort and national service campaign – “The German Peril” and being involved in the for men and women. In 1915, the – and, in 1918, the Times quoted production of WSPU newspaper leaders of the WPSU, along with her on the Germans: “We had to The Suffragette. Elam, toured South Wales to make a clean sweep of all persons In 1914, Elam was arrested three encourage trade unions to support of German Blood, without times and interned in Holloway the war effort. They believed in distinction of sex, birthplace, or prison following each arrest. In national conscription for all men nationality… Any person in this May of that year, she was due to and industrial conscription for country, no matter who he was or appear in court with Flora women. what his position, who was Drummond for using “militant and violent” language at a meeting. They did not attend, so were Soldier, painter, traitor, spy arrested and taken to Holloway prison, where Elam went on a Holloway Neighbourhood commissioned by a father in Holloway that were hunger and thirst strike. In July, Group and Rowan Arts to commemorate the life of burnt down by anti- she was released under The explored Holloway during his war hero son, but who German rioters. Prisoners (Temporary Discharge World War One through had to fight the government Volunteers researched for Ill Health) Act 1913 – better the stories of four people to receive compensation. the stories at the British known as The Cat and Mouse Act. – a soldier, a painter, a The painter was a German Library, the Islington Local This Act allowed prisoners who traitor and a spy. Norah prisoner of war who History Centre, the were seriously ill from hunger Elam is the traitor. painted the Zeppelin raids Museum of London and striking to be released early, only to The soldier concerned that hit the Eaglet pub on the Imperial War Museum. be imprisoned again once they had the story behind two the Seven Sisters Road. The project was supported regained their health. stained glass windows in St Finally, the suspected spy by the Heritage Lottery On release, Elam went to Saviour’s Church story involved two bakeries Fund. Westminster Abbey, where she

12 Journal of the Islington Archaeology & History Society Summer 2015 Vol 5 No 2 suspected of protecting German influence should be tried as a traitor, and, if necessary, shot.” She believed people inherently belonged to their country of origin so all Germans, naturalised or not, could not be trusted. Elam held strong nationalist views despite having been born in Ireland. Her granddaughter and great granddaughter, Angela and Susan McPherson, in their book Mosley’s Old Suffragette: a Biography of Norah Dacre Fox, believe Elam’s mother may have been an English Above left: the Northampton Mercury and Herald in 1936 shows Norah Protestant who had moved her Elam as the prospective Fascist candidate at Northampton – family back to England. is on the right. Above right: front page of Daily Sketch, 24 May 1940, After the First World War, Elam announces the arrest of “prominent members of the British Union of separated from her husband and Fascists”, including Norah Elam went to live in Chichester with Edward Descou Dudley Vallance These active roles gave the charged with treason was unfair. Elam, known as Dudley Elam. impression that women were well Joyce was born in America and They never formally married but represented in BUF politics; in had Irish parents – she reasoned she adopted his name. In 1922, she reality, the party was segregated that, because he was not inherently gave birth to their son Evelyn. and women had authority only British, he could not be charged After the First World War, Elam over other women. with treason against Britain. This is became more right wing. She Elam became close to Oswald in line with Elam’s nationalist campaigned against the Treaty of Mosley during this time. It was said ideology about Germans during Versailles in 1920, arguing that it she was attracted to Mosley because the First World War. would weaken France and thereby of his opposition to the presence of strengthen Germany, their the the Black and Tans in Ireland – Imprisoned again common enemy. British soldiers sent to Ireland to Elam was arrested again in 1940, In 1918 Elam stood as an fight against the IRA during the along with her husband, under independent candidate for Irish War of Independence. Defence Regulation 18B, under Richmond but was unsuccessful. In addition, Elam worked closely which people thought to be Nazi With Dudley, she became active in with the BUF’s director of sympathisers could be interned. the Conservative party in Sussex. propaganda, , an She was interned again in In the 1930s, Elam established American-born Irish and British Holloway prison, this time with the Women’s Guild of Empire with citizen. He was eventually charged Diana Mosley. and Elsie with treason against Britain and Elam had moved from being an Bowerman. The guild was a executed during the Second  advocate for female suffrage to right-wing organisation that aimed World War. promoting British nationalism to encourage patriotism among While Elam and Joyce did not against Germany during the First working class women and opposed get on well, she thought his being World War to becoming a fascist what they saw as socialist measures Nazi sympathiser during the such as strikes. Second World War. On closer In 1932, the Elams defected from inspection, it appears that she the Conservative party to the maintained strong views on British Union of Fascists. Norah nationalism from the First World became very involved in the War to the end of her life. women’s section of the BUF and Norah Elam died in 1961 in was a contributor to the fascist Oswald Mosley London aged 83. press. by Glyn Warren She was a feminist who helped Elam’s feminist past was used by Philpot: women lead the suffragette movement but Oswald Mosley to show that the outwardly had her strict nationalist ideals led her active roles in BUF was not anti-feminist. The into fascist politics – this is why the British party attracted other suffragettes, Union of she is the traitor in our Soldier, such as Mary Sophia Allen and Fascists – the Painter, Traitor, Spy project. n Canadian , who reality was later became head of the women’s somewhat Beatrix Mortimer was a researcher section. different on Solider, Painter, Traitor, Spy Elam: Museum of London Commons; Norah Wikimedia Mosley:

Journal of the Islington Archaeology & History Society Summer 2015 Vol 5 No 2 13 A daring swimmer of Thames and sea

Jules Gautier attracted crowds of spectators when he swam the Thames bound hand and foot. Caitlin Davies tells his story

estminster was Edwardians, loved public feats of the scene for a skill and endurance, the more novel swim bizarre, dramatic and potentially when Jules fatal the better, whether at fairs, Paul Victor music halls, seaside piers, WGautier set off for Greenwich, the agricultural halls or aquariums. first this daring exhibitionist would Competing for a challenge and a make with his feet and hands wager were admirable things to do, bound with rope. while swimming as an organised Gautier was born in 1856 and, by event, with rules on everything his early 20s, was taking part in from distances to clothing, was still amateur swimming races. He was in its infancy. described as “late of France” and in So it’s no surprise that a “dense Jules Paul Victor Gautier in 1883: although often said to the 1881 census he puts it as his concourse” assembled on the be from France, he was born in Bryan Place, Islington birthplace. In reality, Gautier had Embankment to witness “the been born in Islington, but appeared daring Professor”. Amid cheers his friends did not consider this happy to maintain the myth. from the crowds on land and in advisable. So he reluctantly left the He took part in events at the boats, and as Big Ben struck a water – the hero of the hour.” Royal Aquarium, where he was quarter to one, Gautier jumped Gautier completed the three-and- described as “coming from Paris”, from a skiff and “took to the water a-half-mile course in 55 minutes. and worked as a swimming like a duck”. Followed by “an Gautier, noted the The Licensed instructor or professor to the North interested mob” on boats and Victuallers’ Mirror, was a “native of London Swimming Club. Then, on protected by “a vigilant river Normandy. He is 5ft 4½ inches in 15 September 1888, at the age of 31, police” he reached Cherry Gardens height. And he weighs ten stone. A Gautier tried his hand at something Pier “as fresh as he started. An wiry man who strips well. And different, swimming three-and-a- enthusiastic demonstration though he has not a very powerful half-miles in the Thames with his awaited him here, and he expressed physique, looks capable of any feet and wrists tied. a wish to go on to Greenwich. As, amount of endurance. The Victorians, and later the however, he had beaten the record “He has shown us Londoners how to perform a feat not long since deemed as impossible. A feat which too has its uses. For it demonstrates the perfect facility with which an accomplished swimmer can make his way through the water, no matter how heavily handicapped. “Gautier swims with a side stroke, bringing his bound hands around in a semi-circle. It looks clumsy and awkward of course. But it is a wonderful the pace the Professor can get on. He is a bold and skilful swimmer. And a North London Baths at 83 Pentonville Road, where Gautier taught (Safestore Self Storage now modest and unassuming man. occupies the site). He gave free swimming lessons to “pauper children” in Islington Good Luck To Him.”

14 Journal of the Islington Archaeology & History Society Autumn 2015 Vol 5 No 3 The following year, 1889, Gautier “A Swimmer in appear to be essential.” was appearing at a swimming Bonds” from Gautier continued to appear as a exhibition at Clacton-on-Sea, where The Licensed “speciality artist” in vaudeville, Victuallers’ he was said to be “the champion of dived from piers with his hands Mirror, the world for speed”, born at Caen 18 September and feet manacled; he also wrote a in Normandy but coming to 1888. Note the book, Learning to Swim. Then it England aged four. His trick spectators in was back to the Thames, this time swimming (popular in the period boats – for a swim from Putney Bridge to at indoor and outdoor venues and Victorians loved Tower Bridge, with his hands and performed by both men and public feats of feet tied. Only now the issue of his women) now included “smoking, daring, the more nationality had ben cleared up. A singing and writing; peeling, bizarre and New Zealand paper reported that dangerous the sucking and eating an orange in “Gautier was born in England, better the water, turning somersaults, the although both his parents belong spinning wheel, etc.” to Normandy”. The same year Gautier held an In July 1904, Gautier dived from “annual costume entertainment” at a boat just above Putney Bridge; the Islington Baths then in 1890 it “he adopted a peculiar stroke, his was back to the Thames. “Shortly clasped hands being drawn swiftly after four o’clock yesterday downward, while his bound legs afternoon a man was seen to performed a fin-like twitch” and, mount the parapet of London Bridge… as he took the dive it was seen that his hands were bound His trick swimming together, as also were his legs just included smoking, above the ankle. It afterwards transpired that the man’s name singing and writing, was Jules Gautier, the champion peeling, sucking and French swimmer.” Gautier continued to take part in eating an orange in the swimming entertainments then in “champion Scientific High Diver water and turning 1892 decided to try the Channel. and Trick Swimmer of the World”. somersaults First he swam from Folkestone to In 1894 he began giving free Dover with his hands and feet swimming lessons to Islington chained. He dived 71 feet from a “pauper children”. “Many of these when he got to Tower Bridge, he platform on Folkestone pier with children will probably enter “performed a series of evolutions “his hands fastened behind him” callings which will expose them to and somersaults” in the water. In and his feet chained together. The a special degree to the risk of 1909, he added a new twist: still Channel attempt seems to have drowning,” commented the manacled, “he swam the university been abandoned because of the Illustrated Police News admiringly. boat race course from Putney to coldness of the water. In 1893 he “Sailor and dock and waterside Mortlake, towing a boat licensed to performed “sensational high dives” labourers of all kinds may be carry eight persons”. Gautier was at Captain Boyton’s World’s Water mentioned as a class to whom a tied to the boat with a rope, and Show at Earls Court, billed as knowledge of swimming would won a wager of £100. In 1910, he again swam from Putney Bridge to Mortlake for a wager of £200. In 1919, at the age of 62, Gautier’s incredible career came to an end when he died from pneumonia. Whether this was related to his swimming exploits isn’t known. n

Folkestone pier This is an edited excerpt from Down in 1890-1900: Stream: a History and Celebration Gautier dived of Swimming the River Thames, from the pier with his hands £16.99, Aurum Press, 2015. tied behind More on the book, links and him and his information on readings and talks at feet chained www.caitlindavies.co.uk/

together in 1892 current-work/downstream Gautier: Brian Gautier; North London Baths: Islington Local History Centre; Commons Print Collection/Wikimedia pier: Photochrom Folkestone

Journal of the Islington Archaeology & History Society Autumn 2015 Vol 5 No 3 15 were made by the Earl of Dudley’s Round Oak Steelworks in Brierley Hill, West Midlands, which was renowned for the quality of its steel. The ceiling is probably Anaglypta, similar to Lincrusta. In the mid-1950s, one of the cut and etched curved glass panes was broken by a bone collector who accidentally swung his bag into the glass. Mr Plumb was unable to find a sufficiently skilled craftsman in London. However, he found a source in Italy and ordered it from there at a cost of £30 – around £800 today. There are hundreds of cigarette burns on the mahogany counter in the booth, presumably left by a very bored or absent-minded cashier (perhaps this was an early attempt at smoking meats). Another source Beauty at the butcher’s of damage was activists who threw bricks through the front window at least five times An Edwardian butcher’s shop on Hornsey Road in the 1960s and 1970s. displays many rare surviving features and All the original lighting is missing, except the metal galleries architectural styles. Richard Travers tells its story for the four front window lights (1950s?), and the ceramic ceiling roses for the four gold lights (early 1900s?). One of the front stained he building holding distinct “moo” sound. Apparently and leaded glass windows was W Plumb butcher’s it’s the spirit of a cow. removed in the 1960s so an shop at 493 Hornsey Several architectural styles are extractor fan could be installed. Road was built in 1890. present, including art nouveau tiles The walls are tiled all the way It was converted to a in the frieze and six grouped tile down to the floor behind the two Tbutcher’s around 1901 by Arthur panels (all made by Burmantofts, side marble counters, suggesting the Hancock, who commissioned the aka the Leeds Fireclay Company), counters were installed some time ornate interior. a Victorian mosaic floor (made by after the walls. The current front The eponymous William Plumb Pilkington’s) and a Queen Anne door was installed around 1962; Art nouveau purchased it in 1962, having worked revival cashier’s booth. before that, there was a roll down tiles and here since 1926. There were five According to the previous pastoral scenes, shutter with wooden slats and very butcher’s shops on the short parade owners, the hand-painted tiles of which possibly narrow doorways on both sides. when Plumb bought it and, by the grazing animals are scenes from depict In the 1970s a runaway lorry 1980s, Plumb was the only one left. Hampstead Heath. Hampstead crashed into the shop next door, Plumb’s nephew, Derek The iron meat rails and scrolls Heath killing a woman and injuring her Solomons, later took over the shop two children on the pavement. The and tells of a rumour that Plumb children were carried into the shop was briefly married to a famous and laid onto the marble slabs singer in the 1930s. Solomons’ wife where they waited for an Sheila describes finding blackout ambulance. Shortly afterwards, a curtains on the windows when man came into shop to see the they moved in to the flat above commotion and saw the children; around 1965, along with various they were so badly injured he didn’t other items indicating the flat had recognise they were his children not been inhabited since the war. until he discovered it was his wife The shop closed in 1996 and I who was dead under the lorry. It is bought it in 2006 – I live in the flat believed the children survived. with my partner and a ghost that The shop has been used as a occasionally vigorously closes the photo location for a major interior

Main wall image and cashier’s booth: Richard Travers; other images: Christy Lawrance Travers; booth: Richard image and cashier’s Main wall inner door accompanied by a design magazine, and has been

16 Journal of the Islington Archaeology & History Society Autumn 2015 Vol 5 No 3 scouted as a location for various films and period dramas, including the 1984 film A Private Function and the 2015 film Suffragettes. cashier’s booth which he intended to In the 1980s, growing pressure dismantle and ship to Chicago. By a from sanitation inspectors stroke of luck, the conversation was compelled the butcher to remove a overheard by a customer who went beautiful tile and marble island home to ring Islington’s conservation and install in its place a officer, Alec Forshaw, who in turn refrigerated display cabinet. The rang English Heritage asking them island had two pasture scenes, one to formally list the property. showing a bull and the other a pig. English Heritage declined, partly In 1996, while the shop was for because they didn’t believe the buyer Clockwise form designated “a rare survival”. sale, a foreign buyer negotiated with would actually go through with it, top left: wall tile The Tiles and Architectural the butcher to sell him the entire and partly because they were under panel; the Ceramics Society has produced a pressure from the government not mahogany comprehensive guide to significant cashier’s booth; to list properties as listing caused a existing tiled interiors and frieze; tile dramatic decrease in value. detail; front exteriors covering the history of Several days later, the buyer windows; gold London to the present. Each of the returned with a formal offer, which light, possibly many hundreds of properties has a the butcher accepted. By another early 20th descriptive paragraph, but the incredible stroke of luck, the same century word “magnificent” is used only customer was in the shop at the once in the entire guide – about time and he raced home to ring W Plumb butcher’s shop. n Alec Forshaw again, who in turn rang English Heritage again. This Richard Travers is the owner of the time English Heritage agreed, and W Plumb shop Mr Forshaw raced to the shop on his bicycle to slap a temporary The W Plumb shop, at 493 Hornsey preservation order on the door, only Road, N19 3QL, is open to the minutes before the buyer returned public each year for London Open with his carpenters to begin removal. House in September, and is The shop was formally listed available for hire for parties and grade II a short time later and events. Contact [email protected]

Journal of the Islington Archaeology & History Society Autumn 2015 Vol 5 No 3 17 Publications and bookshop

Some great offers in this issue, plus books on the Barbican and the visual images, covering the the Globe theatre, railway architecture, Magna Carta, dogs in history of the site from its complete obliteration during Victorian society and Smithfield’s unusual columns the Blitz, to the commissioning of Chamberlin, Powell and Bon as the development’s The Barbican: Architecture developments that have architects in 1955 up to and Light obviously influenced his completion in the early 1980s. Alan Ainsworth personal approach. A final section sees the author £15 paperback, £10 pdf ebook, He proposes that the in conversation with a quartet Oblique Publishing, 2015 Barbican’s architectural vision, of other professionals and Any discussion of the both initially and as the design residents of the Barbican, Barbican – perhaps the most process evolved, consciously discussing specifically the important planning and formed a changing ensemble architects’ concerns with light architectural development of of light and shade that not throughout the design process. the postwar period – only provided a positive In this book, the author has inevitably provokes polarised identity but also created a certainly achieved his stated views reinforcing entrenched “sense of place”. architectural detailing. aim to capture the attitudes towards the At the heart of the book is A section titled Planning development’s sense of place; complexity of modern Capturing Light: the Barbican the Barbican, written by Alec indeed he may have gone architectural and planning Portfolio; this contains some Forshaw (a former chief further and invoked its “genius issues. It is refreshing 50 of the author’s photographs conservation and design loci” – the spirit of the place. therefore to find an author of the Barbican precinct and officer at Islington Council) Roger Simmons is a retired adopting a new perspective illustrates perfectly how the comprehensively supplements architect on the subject. orientation of buildings, While Alan Ainsworth’s complex interplay of levels, book fundamentally geometry of form and fall of The Barbican: Architecture and Light concentrates on visual light and shadow over imagery, his essay Light, textured surfaces combined to Special discount for readers Photography and a Sense of create just this sense of place. Oblique Publishing is offering journal readers printed copies Place poses some interesting The black and white images, of The Barbican: Architecture and Light at £12.75 questions on both the nature admittedly taken on a bright and meaning of architectural day, perfectly capture the l Visit www.obliquepublishing.com/BAL01_discount.html photography, touching on nuances of tone and subtle This offer is open until 30 October earlier photographic gradation of the refined

Globe: Life in Shakespeare’s fatal consequences. actors need a wealthy and London Before the Reformation, noble patron on its side – it Catharine Arnold morality plays were also needed to be politically £16.99, Simon and Schuster, performed under church astute; patrons could and  2015 auspices. Now, new plays did fall. As Catharine Arnold shows, began to be staged in inn Shakespeare was at the Shakespeare’s life was yards and public spaces. heart of all this. He and his inextricably linked to Islington’s Saracen’s Head, company had to decide from London’s rise as a world city. dating from 1557, was the first first principles what a After the Reformation, new recorded venue for plays. specially built theatre men had taken over the reins The very writing of new physically needed to function of power and patronage, and a plays and performing them in best. And both playwrights talented and ambitious young a custom-built place was and actors had to learn how to man like Shakespeare could viewed with suspicion by grab and hold a captive – and rise – providing he could many in authority as a source paying – audience. tread the fine line between of disorder, plague, treason Globe gets across both the what was legal and what and immorality – and they dangers and the tremendous treasonous. London was  place where finding oneself on had to power to shut the creative energy of the age. an exciting but dangerous the wrong side could have theatres down. A company of Elizabeth Hawksley

18 Journal of the Islington Archaeology & History Society Autumn 2015 Vol 5 No 3 The English Railway Station upon stations in the late 20th Road and Barnsbury, Stephen Parissien century. How ironic that, as he Highbury and Islington and £25, English Heritage, 2014 illustrates, some of the 1970s Canonbury have long been This book is a high-quality prefabricated boxes that replaced with (at best) production, as befits a volume displaced fine Victorian functional boxes that do not whose main strength is its buildings have themselves merit any mention. numerous photographs. Some been replaced with better A glossary at the end of these are quite unusual. I buildings, befitting the 21st explains most of the had not previously seen what century. He rightly makes the architectural terms used, and Mr Parissien claims may be point that blame for this there is advice on further the oldest surviving railway should not be placed reading and an index. station (now a private exclusively at Richard Those concerned with the residence) in Mitcham, Beeching’s door. The social uses of architecture, as Surrey. (This assumes it was “evisceration of Britain’s well as railway enthusiasts, built in 1803 for the horse- unique built railway heritage” Although he records that “EH will find much of interest in drawn Surrey Iron Railway.) was under way before the Horne used Venetian Gothic this book. Nor had I seen the house that Beeching Report. for his North London Railway Bob Allaway is a member of served as the Stockton Mr Parissien makes the stations”, those at Caledonian the Model Railway Club booking office for the important point that railway Stockton and Darlington stations always functioned as Railway. more than just shelters for Reviewers wanted The first two chapters give passengers; they served as Are you interested in reviewing books or exhibitions for potted biographies of the community centres and the Journal? If so, contact the editor on christy@ architects, with a few bearers of civic pride. More islingtonhistory.org.uk. sociological observations. The recent schemes have next three chapters look at recognised this. The final Journal back issues different types and functions chapter, A New Railway Age, We have some back issues of the Journal. Some have sold of stations: in country and covers such developments as out, so contact Catherine Brighty on 020 7833 1541 to find urban settings and as the western concourse at out if we have the issue you would like in stock. “cathedrals of steam”. King’s Cross. Later chapters burn with King’s Cross station is the We also take bulk and trade orders – contact Catherine indignation at the short- only one mentioned that falls Brighty on 020 7833 1541. sighted vandalism visited within the remit of the IAHS.

At Home and Astray: the Pet dogs were highly valued, Many dogs were brought in by Domestic Dog in Victorian which made them the target of police, who paid the home for London thieves who would hold them each dog taken in. While this Philip Howell to ransom – a lucrative brought in income and £35.95 hardback, £30.46 practice. Dog stealing can be legitimised the home in the Kindle, University of Virginia viewed as an attack on the eyes of the authorities, it also Press, 2015 home and therefore on established a relationship with The rise of the city in the bourgeois sensibilities. the “policeman-state” in Victorian period distanced Professor Howell examines controlling strays. Londoners from nature and gender politics, including Professor Howell concludes pet dogs helped fill this space, examining how keeping many paradoxes remain and Philip Howell argues that lapdog companions was seen around our relationship with the Victorians “invented” the as a feminine pursuit – as was dogs – pets, while deserving modern dog. opposing vivisection. empathy, can be deemed He tells the story of the As dogs became popular, so “surplus” if they fail to fulfil dog’s changing social position rose concern for strays. Here the conditions of a “domestic at the time through literature depending on people much as enters the Temporary Home social contract to which they (particularly Charles Dickens), a child would. In contrast, for Lost and Starving Dogs, never agreed in the first place”. evolution, dog stealing, pet dogs in the public space of the opened in Holloway in 1860 This book draws on a great cemeteries and dog walking. street – those without homes by Mary Tealby and moving deal of research and there is As a cultural geographer, – were to be feared and to Battersea in 1871. The term plenty to follow up – about 65 Professor Howell is concerned avoided. He revisits shared “home” gave an impression of pages of the book’s 252 pages with how people and animals space when examining dog warmth and belonging, are taken up with references share space. In the private walking in the city, and how it although many animals were with notes, a bibliography and space of the home, the dog was became the unremarkable destroyed, including healthy an index. a cherished part of the family, practice it is now. dogs that were not rehomed. Christy Lawrance

Journal of the Islington Archaeology & History Society Autumn 2015 Vol 5 No 3 19 A Brief History of Magna Caledonian Park and its Carta Surroundings Geoffrey Hindley Sylvia Tunstall, £9.99, Robinson, 2015 Patsy Ainger, In 1215, English barons forced Robyn Lyons King John to sign his £5.00 + 75p agreement to Magna Carta, a p&p, Islington tranche of demands which, for Society, available from the IAHS the first time, enshrined the Caledonian Park and its principle that nobody, the surroundings reflect the energy king included, was above the and ambition of the Victorian law of the land. Age and are full of architectural, Magna Carta examines the historical and social interest. struggles that led up to the This booklet, produced by signing, what the charter said Caledonian Park Friends and its implications, and looks Group, follows a mile-long at its consequences over the However, the rest of Magna walking route covering most The Curious Case of the past 800 years and how it has Carta, which examines John’s of the area of the enormous Phoenix Columns in influenced the rule of law constant demands for money Metropolitan Cattle Market Smithfield General Market elsewhere, from the from his barons and the that once occupied the site. Dr Jenny Freeman constitution of the US to the subsequent crisis of Free download, limited number Universal Declaration of government which led to the of hard copies for £5.00 + Human Rights. fateful meeting at The Jewish £2.50 p&p, SAVE Britain’s The first chapter concerns Runnymede, is riveting. Communities Heritage, www. the dysfunctional King John is traditionally of Islington, savebritainsheritage.org/news/ Plantagenets’ background. viewed as feckless but his grip 1730s-1880s campaign.php?id=349 When John came to the on how much money he could Petra Laidlaw Phoenix columns – named for throne, he was King of wring out of his subjects was £9.99 + £2.80 the Phoenix Iron Works, England, Lord of Ireland, thoroughly professional. Even p&p, Islington which made them – were Duke of Normandy and though Magna Carta Archaeology and History Society hollow, multi-segment Aquitaine and Count of document contains nothing Islington has been home to a wrought iron columns that Anjou. For some of these positive about the legal sizeable Jewish population for were significantly lighter and roles, King Philip of France position of women, Jews, over 250 years, although their stronger than the solid, was his feudal overlord – a foreigners and peasants, which long history is largely cast-iron columns in use in man with his own plans for remained grossly unjust, the forgotten. This volume traces the 19th century. expanding French territory rule of law was, however a cross section of characters, As they could be very tall – and I found it difficult to tenuously, established. A their religious life, their and carry great weights, they keep track of who laid claim fascinating overview. occupations and their contact were used in numerous to what. Elizabeth Hawksley with the rest of the community. high-rise buildings, bridges $ and viaducts in the US. They were also easy to maintain. Order form for books from the IAHS (photocopies acceptable) While they were exported all over the world, there are Name ...... only two known examples of them in the UK – some very Address ...... short columns at Redhill ...... Station in Surrey and the tall columns in Smithfield Market. Tel no/email (in case we need to contact you about your order) ...... Architectural historian and specialist developer Dr Jenny Title(s)of publication Cost Freeman details the columns’ ......   ...... origins, and explains how city surveyor Sir Horace Jones ......   ...... came to use the same technique in Smithfield’s ......   ...... General Market. Total cost  ...... This publication ends with a call for further investigation Please make cheques payable to “Islington Archaeology & History Society”; send this form of the market’s structure on (photocopies acceptable) to IAHS, 8 Wynyatt Street, London EC1V 7HU site and to prevent it from damage.

20 Journal of the Islington Archaeology & History Society Autumn 2015 Vol 5 No 3 Buy from the society store Special offers

The society stocks books, postcards, maps of Islington and beyond 40% off until and more – some are listed here. Call Catherine Brighty on 020 7833 31 December 1541 if you wish to order several items or collect them in person. Bradt Travel Guides is offering Book title Author Price p&p Total Islington Archaeology & (£) (£) (£) History Society members an exclusive 40% discount on An Architect in Islington Harley Sherlock 14.99 2.80 17.79 these two books: Angus McBean in Islington Mary Cosh, ed 4.00 1.20 5.20 The Building That Lived Twice Alec Forshaw 20.00 2.80 22.80 Freedom Pass London is a guide Caledonian Park and its Surroundings Sylvia Tunstall, Patsy 5.00 0.75 5.75 to days out for Ainger, Robyn Lyons anyone with a Church Design for Congregations James Cubitt 11.00 1.50 12.50 freedom pass or Cinemas of Haringey Jeremy Buck 9.99 1.50 11.49 Oyster card. The Contexting of a Chapel Architect: James Clyde Binfield 18.00 1.90 19.90 Cubitt 1836-1912 Eccentric London tells stories of the Criminal Islington Keith Sugden, ed 5.00 1.40 6.40 capital’s unusual 53 Cross Street. Biography of a House  Mary Cosh and 9.95 1.90 11.85 people, buildings ON SALE Martin King and streets. Dead Born Joan Lock 7.99 2.80 10.79 Visit www.bradtguides Dead Image Joan Lock 7.99 2.80 10.79 .com and enter the code Discover De Beauvoir Town and Environs Mike Gray and 1.50 0.75 2.25 “IAHS” at the checkout or Isobel Watson phone 01753 480633. Discover Stoke Newington. A Walk Through David Mander and 4.95 1.20 6.15 History Isobel Watson Dissent & the Gothic Revival Bridget Cherry, ed 15.00 1.65 16.65 Two IAHS books are on sale. An Historical Walk Along the New River Mary Cosh 4.00 1.65 5.65 53 Cross Street. Biography An Historical Walk Through Barnsbury Mary Cosh 4.00 1.65 5.65 of a House Islington’s Cinemas & Film Studios Chris Draper 5.00 1.65 6.65 Mary Cosh and Martin King, with photographs by Pauline Islington: Britain in Old Photographs Gavin Smith 12.99 1.65 14.64 Lord. Hardback. Islington: the Second Selection Gavin Smith 12.99 1.65 14.64 £9.95 (was £20) + £2.10 p&p Islington Byways James Dowsing 4.00 0.75 4.75 This book is a The Jewish Communities of Islington, 1730s-1880s Petra Laidlaw 9.99 2.80 11.79 must for anyone interested in the London Cat 1 James Dowsing 4.00 0.75 4.75 history of home London Cat 2 James Dowsing 4.00 0.75 4.75 decor. With London Dog James Dowsing 4.00 0.75 4.75 glorious colour photographs, it London’s Mummies James Dowsing 4.00 0.75 4.75 describes how one Only Bricks and Mortar ON SALE Harry Walters 5.00 1.50 6.50 house changed since 1785. New City: Contemporary Architecture in the Alec Forshaw 19.95 2.80 22.75 City of London Only Bricks and 1970s London Alec Forshaw 12.99 1.65 14.64 Mortar Harry Walters London’s New River in Maps. Vol I Part I Michael Kensey £20 £5 (was £7.99) + London’s New River in Maps. Vol I Part 2 Michael Kensey £25 £1.50 p&p The Squares of Islington Part II. Islington Parish Mary Cosh 7.50 1.50 9.00 A tale of growing 20th Century Buildings in Islington Alec Forshaw 14.99 2.80 17.79 up and working class life from Other items the 1930s through the Second Old Ordnance Survey maps 2.50 0.75 3.25 World War to the 1970s in Mugs: Union Chapel and Caledonian Park (call re collection/postage) 6.00 notorious council tenements in Popham Road, where Cathy New River Tea Towel 6.00 1.50 7.50 Come Home was filmed.

Journal of the Islington Archaeology & History Society Autumn 2015 Vol 5 No 3 21 Reviews Extreme shoes show status and seduction

his exhibition centres on “extreme footwear” – shoes Tthat may be painful to wear but enhance the wearer’s status and/or seductive powers. The range is huge and world- wide, from an Ancient Egyptian lady’s gold-leaf covered sandal and designed and constructed and the Chinese lotus shoes designed for intricacies and skills required. bound feet to the teetering high Filmed interviews featured heels of the 21st century. Men’s modern designers including shoes are not forgotten, either. Manolo Blahnik and Christian They, too, enhance their owner’s Downstairs, the first display Louboutin. Clockwise from status, as with the French 18th cases are coloured boudoir red (for above: Italian This exhibition is designed to century green embroidered velvet seduction) – I loved the mules that chopines, intrigue and thrill and does this shoes with red heels which were specially designed to drop off. c1600; evening very well. n indicated that the wearer had been Later cases are royal purple (for shoes for l Shoes: Pleasure and Pain is on at presented at Versailles, and the status) where it is obvious that the Christian Dior the Victoria & 17th century musketeers’ boots shoes were decorative rather than (1958-60); Albert with their over-wide tops – surely practical – but who cared? A gilded leather Museum the “swagger” boot par servant would doubtless be at hand and papyrus until excellence? to fetch and carry. In both cases, sandal, Egypt 31 January c30 BC-300 AD; the lighting was intimate and sexy, red ballet shoes 2016, £12/ forcing one to peer like a voyeur. for The Red concs Upstairs, the exhibition looked at Shoes (1948) the art of making shoes and Elizabeth Hawksley

Victoria & Albert Museum; red shoes: Northampton Museums and Art Gallery Albert Museum; red shoes: Northampton Museums and & Victoria demonstrated how a shoe was www.elizabethhawksley.com

Exquisite photographs capture the hearts of South India and Burma

his is a little gem of a Particularly beautiful is the She photography exhibition. On Zee Gong Pagoda built in the 12th Tdisplay are over 60 original century and perfectly preserved in photographs Captain Linnaeus a mould of ruin. Tripe took when employed by the Tripe’s approach was scientific and East India Company in Burma and systematic. Photography expeditions India, as well as some of his were planned meticulously, birthplace, Devon. drawing on knowledge from local A self-taught pioneer of early networks. The sophistication of his photography, Tripe systematically techniques and the level of detail documented and captured the hearts on his photographs are amazing. of both South India and Burma. Seeing the quality of what he His photographs chronicle the produced when photography was rapidly changing political still so new, I am left wondering environment in both countries with what could he have done today. the increased influence of the l Captain Linnaeus Tripe: Empire – both commercially and Photographer of India and Burma, militarily. We can see the 1852-1860 is on at the Victoria & diminishing power of the princes in Albert Museum until 11 October, free India and traces of the British advance in Rangoon. Burma is Margaret Lally especially interesting as he was often photographing buildings not Pictured: Pugahm Myo: Thapinyu seen in the west before – and many Pagoda, 1855; Madura: the Great

Victoria & Albert Museum/Metropolitan Museum of Art Albert Museum/Metropolitan Museum of & Victoria of these have now gone. Pagoda Jewels, 1858

22 Journal of the Islington Archaeology & History Society Autumn 2015 Vol 5 No 3 base, which previously formed the internal walls of the market’s offices and banks that were arranged around the tower. However, these What proposals have kept open the visual connection of the clock tower and its approach through the new next for building, and in some ways provide a sense of place and enclosure to the garden between the two sides of New Clock Tower Place. Cally The proposals can be seen in full by following the link at the bottom of www.islington.gov.uk/ Park? caledonianpark. It may not be perfect – I would personally prefer an alternative to the proposed dark brown cladding of the building – Lyn Pulford discusses controversial plans that could see the but to me the benefits outweigh the downsides of building in the park. Caledonian Clock Tower opening regularly and a visitor It is to be hoped that the HLF centre built in the park bid succeeds; without additional funding, the council may not be able to pay for all the repair works. The park will benefit from the aledonian Park covers proposed facilities and staff the southern area of presence and the bid does seem the the site of the best chance of achieving the works Metropolitan Cattle needed to the wonderful clock Market. The livestock tower and handsome railings. n marketC was opened in 1855 as a bigger, better alternative to Lyn Pulford is secretary, Caledonian Smithfield, and its centrepiece was Park Friends Group, writing in a the seven-storey clock tower, with personal capacity, lynpulford@ wonderful views over London yahoo.co.uk. Contact Caledonian from a viewing platform. Before Park Friends Group: Sylvia Tunstall, the market was built, the park was chair, [email protected] used for sporting events. The clock tower, listed grade II* , Caledonian Clock Tower will be open and designed by architect James will based in the centre. Architects’ for London Open House on Saturday Bunstone Bunning, has been It is hoped that a successful HLF visualisation; 19 September, 11am-4pm. Although empty since the market shut at the bid will result in the tower opening gates, with tours are booked up, Caledonian Park start of the Second World War. The regularly, as well as activities, cattle details; and Its Surroundings by Sylvia clock still works. training and volunteer clock tower Tunstall, Patsy Ainger and Robyn from New Clock Lyons will be on sale there for £5, as The clock and the remaining opportunities. There will be a café Tower Place original listed railings need major and toilets, facilities the Friends of well as from the IAHS (page 20) Pulford gates: Islington Council; photo: Lyn Architects; centre: Dannatt, Johnson Visitor repairs. To help fund these repairs, the Park have long wished for. Islington is preparing proposals to The layout of the new housing submit a phase 2 grant application on North Road, replacing the this autumn to the Heritage Market Estate built in the 1960s on Lottery Fund, having won phase 1 the northern edge of the cattle funding to prepare the bid. market, has opened views of the The proposals also include clock tower from North Road via building a visitor centre. This is New Clock Tower Place. required by HLF so there can be The proposed centre is the accessible accommodation for subject of controversy, chiefly school visits, workshops and talks. because it is sited in front of the Information will be available about tower just inside the 2013 entrance the history of the area, the clock gates to the main area of the park. tower and the park itself. A park From the north, the centre ranger and an education officer would obscure some of the tower’s

Journal of the Islington Archaeology & History Society Autumn 2015 Vol 5 No 3 23 What’s on Events, exhibitions, courses, walks and more. Contact details of organisers are in the directory on page 28 – events may change or need advance booking. Islington Archaeology & History Society events are listed on the inside back page

Friday 18 September, 4pm Friday 25 September, 6.15pm Saturday 3 October, 4pm Tuesday 13 October, 6.30pm Science Unboxed: The Mapping of Cyprus Through the Eyes of the Overpowered! The Science Mosquitoes, Malaria and 1485-1885 Planner – the Thamesmead and Showbiz of Hypnosis the Raj Ashley Baynton-Williams Housing Project Christopher Green Archive exploration with help British Library, free London Metropolitan £8/concs, British Library from a theatre company. Archives, free, book ahead British Library, free Friday 25 September, 6.30pm Tuesday 13 October, 8pm The Waddesdon Bequest Monday 5 October, 1pm Scientific Methods in Friday 18 September, 6.30pm and Waddesdon Manor: a Artefacts and the Study of Archaeology 15 years of the Great Legacy of Collecting Life in Roman London Caroline Cartwright. Court: the Architect’s View Panel discussion Michael Marshall Hendon & District Spencer de Grey British Museum, £5 Museum of London, free. Archaeological Society British Museum, £5/concs, Gresham College event book ahead Monday 28 September Thursday 15 October, 7.30pm Railway Walks: the Monday 7 October The Building of Chalcot Saturday 19 September, 11am Metropolitan Line Railway Walks: King’s Square and 1.30pm Walk starting at Farringdon. Cross/St Pancras Frank Kelsall Hidden London London Metropolitan London Metropolitan £1, Camden History Society Archaeological archive tour. Archives, £10, book ahead Archives, £10, book ahead £9, Museum of London, book Friday 16 October, 7pm ahead Wednesday 30 September, Wednesday 7 October, 6pm The CITiZAN Coastal 6pm Roman Walbrook and Archaeological Project Tuesday 22 September, 11am 1665: London’s Last Great its Legacy Gustav Milne Railway Walks: Paddington Plague Tony Taylor City of London London Metropolitan Professor Vanessa Harding Museum of London Archaeological Society, £2 Archives, £10, book ahead Museum of London, free. Docklands, £2. Docklands Gresham College event History Group event Saturday 17-Sunday 18 October, Tuesday, 22 September, 6pm 1pm, tours 1.30pm and 2.30pm The NHS Crisis, 1951 Thursday 1 October, 4pm Thursday 8 October, 1pm St Silas Heritage Afternoon Prof Vernon Bogdanor In the Footsteps of a Medieval Music: the St Silas Church, Penton St, N1 Museum of London, free. Pioneer Archaeologist in Stations of the Breath Gresham College event Palestine: 100 Years After Professor Christopher Page Monday 19 October. 1pm Mackenzie St Sepulchre Without Ritual Protection Marks and Thursday 24 September, 1.30pm Shlomo Bunimovitz and Zvi Newgate, free. Gresham Witchcraft at Knole, Kent Camden: the first 50 years Lederman College event James Wright Tudor Allen British Museum, free, booking Museum of London, free. British Museum, free, book essential Sat 10 Oct 2015, 16:00 Gresham College event ahead Churchill’s Heroines: Thursday 1 October, 7.30pm Female Spies in WWII Monday 19 October, 8pm Thursday 24 September, 2pm The Canal and River Trust Panel discussion, including Performing Right Society Hospital Diets and Food! John Dodwell former special operations for Music: History and Role Talk at London Metropolitan £4/concs, London Canal executive Noreen Riols Today Archives, free, book ahead Museum British Library, £8 Andy Ellis Woodlawns Centre, SW16. Wednesday, 23 September Saturday 3 October, 2pm-5pm Monday 12 October, 1pm Streatham Society Baxendale, Past, Present & Social Networking for Mass Burials from St Mary Future Family History Spital, London Tuesday 20 October, 1pm Brian Hosier Alec Tritton Don Walker Einstein’s Annus Mirabilis, Friern Barnet & District Local £20/concs, Society of Museum of London, free. 1905 History Society, £2 Genealogists Gresham College event Professor Raymond Flood

24 Journal of the Islington Archaeology & History Society Autumn 2015 Vol 5 No 3 Thursday 12 November, 1.30pm Open House London, 19-20 September Finsbury Health Centre will Curator’s introduction to be open this year for Open Celts: Art and Identity House London, the capital’s Lecture by Rosie Weetch, with largest annual festival of speech-to-text transcription architecture and design. British Museum, free, booking Also open are Union essential Chapel, Ironmonger Row Baths, the Charterhouse Thursday 12 November, 7.30pm Chapel, the Oak Rooms at Camden Arts Centre at 50 New River Head, Finsbury Jenni Lomax Town Hall, the Marx Local Studies Library, 32-38 Memorial Library, Priory Theobalds Road, WC1, £1. Green Estate and W Plumb Camden History Society butcher’s shop (see page 16). See www.openhouse Wednesday 18 November, 6pm london.org.uk for open Envy of Kings: the Guildhall times and booking details. of London and the Power of the Medieval Corporation Dr Simon Thurley Museum of London, free. Monday 26 October, 1pm Wednesday 4 November, 6pm Museum of London, free. Gresham College event The Archaeology of Disease Trinity Buoy Wharf, Still Gresham College event Documented in Skeletons Afloat Wednesday 21 October, 2pm Professor Charlotte Roberts Eric Reynolds Wednesday 25 November Insurance Policies and their Museum of London, free. £2, Museum of London Back to the Drawing Board Linkage to the Records of Gresham College event Docklands. Docklands – Transport Systems that Failed 18th Century London History Group Ralph Hutchings Derek Morris Wednesday 28 October, 6pm Friern Barnet & District Local £8/concs, Society of Free Speech and the Study Thursday 5 November, 7.30pm History Society, £2 Genealogists of History The Work of the Thames Timothy Garton Ash Ironworks Heritage Trust Saturday 14 November, 2.30pm Thursday 22 October, 6pm Museum of London, free. Gavin Redknap Visit: Parliamentary Agincourt or Azincourt? Gresham College event £4, London Canal Museum Archives at House of Lords Victory, Defeat, and the £10/concs, Society of War of 1415 Wednesday 28 October Thursday 5 November, 1pm Genealogists Dr Helen Castor Loving Barnet How We Learned that Museum of London, free. Gail Laser Slavery is Wrong Saturday 21 November, all day Gresham College event Friern Barnet & District Local Professor Alec Ryrie Middlesex: Our Lost County History Society, £2 Gresham College, Barnard’s London & Middlesex Friday 23 October, 1.30pm Inn Hall, free Archaeological Society’s 50th Waddesdon Manor: a Thursday 29 October, 4pm local history conference. Rothschild Creation Women in Mathematics: Saturday 7 November, 11am Museum of London, £12.30 if Pippa Shirley the Bicentenary of Ada and 1.30pm booked by 31 October, £15 British Museum, free, booking Lovelace Crime and Counterfeits from 1 November essential Professor Ursula Martin Two archaeological tours. Barnard’s Inn Hall, Gresham Museum of London, £9, book Saturday 21 November Friday 23 October, 6.30pm College, free ahead Crime and Counterfeits Cabinets of Curiosity in Tours – see 7 November entry English and Irish Country Friday 30 October. 7.45pm Saturday 7 November, 2pm Houses The Catford Broadway LGBTQ History in a Friday 27 November, 7.45pm Tim Knox Theatre Government Archive Dr WG Grace, the Great British Museum, £5/concs, Martin Costello London Metropolitan Cricketer book online Lewisham History Society, £1 Archives, free, book ahead Ian Bevan £1, Lewisham Local History Saturday 24 October Tuesday, 3 November, 6pm Wednesday 10 November, 8pm Society The Cavalry The King in the Car Park: The History of the Royal One-day seminar with the Discovery and National Lifeboat Wednesday 2 December, 1pm optional museum visit. Identification of Richard III Institution Galactic Archaeology £15, Victorian Military Society, Professor Kevin Schurer Keith Cunningham Professor Joseph Silk www.victorianmilitarysociety. Museum of London, free. Hendon & District Museum of London, free. org.uk, [email protected] Gresham College event Archaeological Society, £1 Gresham College event Christy Lawrance

Journal of the Islington Archaeology & History Society Autumn 2015 Vol 5 No 3 25 Ongoing London Metropolitan Billingsgate Roman House Exhibitions Archives: regular events and Baths Contact the organisations for Events, including advice on Various dates and times Until Sunday 20 September dates, times and prices. Please research and meeting LMA Talk plus tour. The Institute of Sexology note that prices may change. professionals. Include: Museum of London, £8/6 Exhibition on the study of sex l Family History Starter since the 19th century and Black History Month l Use LMA: Getting Started Victoria and Albert changes in attitudes. Items Black History Month in and Using the Catalogue Museum free tours include artworks, archival October is an opportunity to l Behind the Scenes These include: material, erotica, film and celebrate and raise awareness Tour l Daily Introductory Tour photography. of black cultural heritage, l Handling l Medieval and Wellcome Collection, free history and experiences. It is Documents at LMA Renaissance Galleries for everybody and all events l Deciphering Old l Theatre and 24 September-31 January 2016 are free or low cost. Handwriting Performance Celts: Art and Identity Islington Black History Month l LGBTQ History l British Galleries Major exhibition examining Festival is being organised by Club See: www.vam.ac. Celtic art and identity from Every Voice on behalf of l Film Club uk/whatson/ the first recorded mention of Islington Council. l A Visit to Celts 2,500 years ago to l www.islington.gov.uk/bhm Conservation First Thursday of the contemporary influences. On l http://everyvoice.org.uk/ Contact the month, 2pm display are Iron Age military LMA for British Library items, Roman jewellery, The Waddesdon Bequest information, Hippocamp from the Conservation medieval manuscripts and New gallery displaying nearly dates and times. Waddesdon Bequest Studio Tour crosses, a Liberty tea set and 300 medieval and Renaissance See techniques used modern items. pieces, as well as a number of Marx Memorial Library tours to care for collections. British Museum, £16.50/concs 19th-century fakes, collected Tuesdays and Thursdays, 1pm, British Library, £10/concs by Baron Ferdinand View a collection illustrating Until Sunday 27 September Rothschild MP (1839–1898), radical and working class Behind the Scenes at the What is Luxury? which illustrate the history. This includes where Museum Depot This looks at objects defined development of the art market Lenin worked in exile in Last Friday and Saturday of as luxurious because of their in the late 19th century. 1902-03, items from the every month design and craftsmanship and Free, British Museum Spanish Civil War, Soviet Tours of London Transport considers issues such as Union posters and artefacts Museum’s depot. This holds privacy and resources, which Tours of Union Chapel from industrial disputes, such over 370,000 items, including could determine future ideas 12.15pm, first Sunday of the as the mineworkers’ and vehicles, buildings, signs, of luxury. month Wapping strikes of the 1980s. ceramic tiles, ticket machines Victoria & Albert Museum, free A chance to appreciate the The building’s 15th century and ephemera. beauty, complex architecture vaults can be visited. £12/concs, book: 020 7565 Until Thursday 1 October and extent of Union Chapel’s Book on [email protected] or 7298/www.ltmuseum.co.uk 1297 Magna Carta buildings, including areas call 02072531485. £5/£3 concs The City’s 1297 Magna Carta rarely open to the public, a Markfield Beam Engine and is on display at the City of secret passage and a hidden Tunnel boat trips Museum Open Days London Heritage Gallery, garden. Group bookings  27 September, 11 October, 11am-5pm, second Sunday of Guildhall Art Gallery, free also available. various times the month, plus bank holidays £5, donation, book in advance Fifty-minute guided tour Markfield Park, N15, free, www. Until 11 October on 020 7359 4019 through London’s longest mbeam.org, 01707 873628 Captain Linnaeus Tripe: canal tunnel. Photographer of India and George Orwell’s Islington London Canal Museum, Historic Almshouse Tour Burma, 1852-1860 Various dates and times £8.40/ concessions, booking The Geffrye Museum’s Exquisite photographs George Orwell was at his most required 18th-century almshouse offers chronicling the changing prolific during his time in a glimpse into the lives of political environment in Islington. While he was living British Museum: Around London’s poor and elderly in Burma and India. at 27b Canonbury Square, the World in 90 Minutes the 18th and 19th centuries. Victoria & Albert Museum, Animal Farm was published Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays, [email protected], free and he worked on drafts of 11.30am and 2pm 020 7739 9893 l Review, page 22 Nineteen Eighty-Four, Guided tour looking at the published essays and articles, Rosetta Stone, the Lewis Clerkenwell and Islington Until Thursday 29 October and broadcast extensively. Chessmen and the Parthenon Guides Association: walks Victorian London in Contact Andrew Gardner on Sculptures and other items. Guided walks led by the Photographs walks@islington history.org. British Museum, £12, booking mayor of Islington’s guides. Exhibition including the first uk or 020 7359 4019 required www.ciga.org.uk. known photograph of London,

26 Journal of the Islington Archaeology & History Society Autumn 2015 Vol 5 No 3 the Blackwall Tunnel opening, the Crystal Palace, the first Trade – often copied, never equalled tube line and street life. London Metropolitan Islington Museum Archives, free Friday 16 October-Saturday 16 January Admission free 9 October-10 April 2016 The Crime Museum Uncovered The Trade exhibition at and the world, The exhibition of objects from Islington Museum celebrates and featured the Metropolitan Police’s 25 years since this gay club on TV. Crime Museum – on public night opened in Islington Its Sunday display for the first time – will in 1990. slot ended in consider the changing nature Based in Turnmills on October 2002 of crime and detection over the Clerkenwell Road, it became but the club past 140 years. Giving a voice highly successful and night often to victims, perpetrators and influenced the London gay returned to police officers, it will explore and dance music scenes. Turnmills for the impact of crime and Advertised as “the original one-off events confront how society responds all-night bender”, Trade until it finally when lives are torn apart while operated from 4am until closed in 2008. questioning the enduring 1pm on Sundays. It held Trade has continued to venues, most recently at Egg fascination with this collection. events around the UK  party at other London on York Way, Islington. Museum of London,  £10/concs Until Saturday 1 November Until Saturday 15 November Jasper Johns Until Sunday 11 October Glory and Gore Triumph and Disaster: This exhibition is the first to Painting Paradise: the Art of Display of the skulls of five Medals of the Sun King explore the development of the Garden men who died in London’s This display examines the metalpoint since the Paintings, drawings, books Roman amphitheatre about greatest medallic project ever Renaissance and shows the and manuscripts show how 2,000 years ago. The place undertaken – a self-portrait of variety of styles it has gardens changed from the where they were found and the the reign of Louis XIV of encompassed. Includes work 16th to the early 20th century. injuries sustained show it is France – the Sun King, who by Leonardo da Vinci, Raphael, The Queen’s Gallery, £10/concs likely that the men, aged 25-45, reigned from 1643 to 1715. Albrecht Dürer, Hans Holbein may have been gladiators. The This series of medals was the Elder, Rembrandt, Edward 29 October-7 February skulls could also have been created to commemorate the Burne-Jones, William Holman Egypt: Faith after the trophies or belonged to people triumphs of his reign. Hunt and Jasper Johns. Pharaohs killed in public. British Museum, free British Museum, £8/concs This tells the story of the shift Museum of London, free from ancient gods to Monday 16 Until Sunday 31 January monotheism, and how it November-27 April Shoes: Pleasure and Pain affected every part of life. War in London Historic shoes, including a British Museum, £10/concs Exhibition on the sandal decorated in gold leaf effects of five from ancient Egypt, and Until Saturday 1 November conflicts on elaborate modern designs are Animal Tales Londoners and used to consider the cultural From Aesop’s Fables to Peter their city, from the significance of shoes. Rabbit to The Lion, the Witch English Civil War Victoria & Albert Museum, and the Wardrobe, stories to the Cold War, £12/concs about animals are often about with maps, l Review, page 22 us. Set among silhouetted manuscripts, films animals and a woodland and photographs. Until 10 January scene, the exhibition explores London London Dust the central role animals have Metropolitan Small exhibition on the played in traditional tales Archives, free redevelopment of the City of around the world, their role in London and the 2008 financial the development of children’s Until Sunday 6 crisis. Blees Luxemburg literature and their use in December contrasts the idealised, allegories. Drawing in Silver computer-generated visions of British Library, free, www.bl. Title page from The Lion, the Witch and the and Gold: office towers with the reality.

uk/events/animal-tales Wardrobe by CS Lewis, 1950 Leonardo to Museum of London, free Lewis PTE; British Library/CS Wardrobe and the Witch Lion, the The Trade; poster: Trade hippocamp: British Museum

Journal of the Islington Archaeology & History Society Autumn 2015 Vol 5 No 3 27 Brixton Windmill Docklands History Group Directory 020 7926 6056, www. info@docklandshistory group. brixtonwindmill.org/ org.uk

History, civic, amenity and archaeology Bruce Castle Museum Dictionary of Victorian societies, museums and online resources Lordship Lane, N17 8NU, 020 London/Cat’s Meat Shop 8808 8772, museum.services@ Encyclopaedia and blog, www. haringey.gov.uk victorianlondon.org

Check opening times before Benjamin Franklin House Burgh House and DoCoMoMo UK visiting. If you would like to Craven Street, WC2N 5NF, Hampstead Museum Modern movement heritage. update details or add your 020 7925 1405, info@ New End Sq, NW3, 020 7431 www.docomomo-uk.co.uk organisations, email editor BenjaminFranklinHouse.org 0144, www.burghhouse.org.uk Christy Lawrance on christy@ East London History Society islingtonhistory.org.uk or c/o Bethlem Royal Hospital Camden History Society 42 Campbell Rd, E3 4DT, mail 6 Northview, Tufnell Park Archives and Museum 020 7586 4436, www. @eastlondonhistory.org.uk Road, N7 0QB Monks Orchard Road, camdenhistorysociety.org Beckenham, 020 3228 4227, Enfield Archaeological All Hallows by the Tower www.bethlemheritage.org.uk Camden New Town History Society Crypt Museum Group www.enfarchsoc.org 020 7481 2928, www.ahbtt.org. Bexley Archaeological www.camdennewtown.info uk/visiting/crypt-museum/ Group Estorick Collection of www.bag.org.uk, Martin Camden Railway Heritage Modern Italian Art Amateur Geological Baker: 020 8300 1752 Trust 39a Canonbury Square, N1 Society 21 Oppidans Road, NW3, 2AN, 020 7704 9522, info@ 25 Village Road, N3 1TL Bishopsgate Institute [email protected] www.estorickcollection.com Library and Archive Amwell Society 230 Bishopsgate, EC2M, 020 Canonbury Society Foundling Museum 8 Cumberland Gardens, 7392 9270, www.bishopsgate. www.canonburysociety.org. 40 Brunswick Square, WC1, WC1X 9AG, 020 7837 0988, org.uk uk, 1 Alwyne Place, N1 020 7841 3600, www. [email protected] foundlingmuseum.org.uk Bomb Sight Chartered Institution of Ancestor Search London map of WW2 bombs, Building Services Engineers Freud Museum Guidance on where to look. www.bombsight.org Heritage Group 20 Maresfield Gdns, NW3, 020 www.ancestor-search.info www.hevac-heritage.org/ 7435 2002, www.freud.org.uk British Airways Heritage The Angel Association www.britishairways.com/ Cinema Museum Friends of Hackney Archives www.angelassociation.org.uk travel/museum-collection/ www.cinemamuseum.org.uk/ Hackney Archives, Dalston public/en_gb Sq, E8 3BQ, 020 8356 8925, Archives Hub City of London [email protected] http://archiveshub.ac.uk/ British Heritage TV Archaeological Society www.405-line.tv/ [email protected] Friern Barnet & District Arsenal FC Museum Local History Society 020 7619 5000, www.arsenal. British Library Clerkenwell and Islington 020 8368 8314. Photo archive: com 96 Euston Rd, NW1, 0330 333 Guides Association www.friern-barnet.com 1144, [email protected] 07971 296731, [email protected]. Association for the Study uk Friends of the New River and Preservation of Roman British Museum Head Mosaics Great Russell Street, WC1, 020 Clockmakers’ Museum c/o Amwell Society www.asprom.org 7323 8299, information@ www.clockmakers.org/ britishmuseum.org museum-and-library Friends of Friendless Churches Bank of England Museum Courtauld Gallery www.friendsoffriendless Threadneedle St, EC2R 8AH, British Postal Museum and Somerset House, WC2R 0RN, churches.org.uk 020 7601 5545, www.bankof Archive 020 7848 2526, galleryinfo@ england.co.uk/museum Freeling House, Phoenix courtauld.ac.uk Geffrye Museum Place, WC1X 0DL; store at 136 Kingsland Road, E2 8EA, Barnet Museum and Local Debden, Essex, 020 7239 2570, Cross Bones Graveyard 020 7739 9893, www.geffrye- History Society [email protected] www.crossbones.org.uk museum.org.uk www.barnetmuseum.co.uk British Vintage Wireless Crossness Pumping Station Georgian Group BBC archive Society 020 8311 3711, www. 6 Fitzroy Square, W1T 5DX, www.bbc.co.uk/archive [email protected] crossness.org.uk [email protected]

28 Journal of the Islington Archaeology & History Society Autumn 2015 Vol 5 No 3 Grant Museum of Zoology You can 020 3108 2052, www.ucl.ac. search the uk/museums/zoology Horniman Museum’s Gresham College collection Free lectures on different online topics, www.gresham.ac.uk – which includes this Greater London Industrial skeletal- Archaeology Society taxidermy double (GLIAS) preparation of 14 Mount Rd, EN4 9RL, 020 a European 8692 8512, www.glias.org.uk hedgehog

Guildhall Library Aldermanbury, EC2V 7HH, 020 7332 1868, textphone 020 7332 3803, guildhall.library@ cityoflondon.gov.uk Hornsey Historical Society Sun, 020 7527 2837, islington. London Fire Brigade Museum The Old Schoolhouse, 136 [email protected], 020 8555 1200, www.london- Hackney Museum Tottenham Lane, N8 7EL, www.islington.gov.uk/museum fire.gov.uk/london-fire- 1 Reading Lane, E8 1GQ, hornseyhistorical.org.uk brigade-museum.asp www. hackney.gov.uk/ Islington’s Lost Cinemas cm-museum.htm Hunterian Museum www.islingtonslostcinemas.com London Lives 1690-1800 RCS, 35-43 Lincoln’s Inn www.londonlives.org The Hackney Society Fields, WC2, www.rcseng. Islington Society Round Chapel, 1d Glenarm ac.uk/museums 3P Leroy, 436 Essex Road London Metropolitan Road, E5 0LY, 020 7175 1967, London N1 3QP Archives [email protected] IanVisits [email protected] 40 Northampton Rd, EC1 Blog with history and other 0HB, 020 7332 3820, ask. Hendon and District events. www.ianvisits.co.uk Jewish Museum [email protected], Archaeology Society www.jewishmuseum.org.uk www.cityoflondon.gov.uk/lma 020 8449 7076, hadas.org.uk Imperial War Museum Lambeth Road, SE1 6HZ, Joe Meek Society London & Middlesex Heritage of London Trust www.iwm.org.uk www.joemeeksociety.org Archaeological Society 020 7730 9472, www. 020 7814 5734, www.lamas. heritageoflondon.com Islington and Camden Dr Johnson’s House org.uk Cemetery 17 Gough Square, EC4, www. Historic Hospital Admission High Road, East Finchley, N2 drjohnsonshouse.org London Museums of Health Records Project 9AG, 020 7527 8804, www. and Medicine www.hharp.org/ islington.gov.uk/ Keats House www.medicalmuseums.org Environment/cemeteries 020 7332 3868, keatshouse@ Highgate Literary and cityoflondon.gov.uk London Museum of Water Scientific Institution Archives Islingtonfacesblog.com & Steam [email protected] Living history interviews. Lewisham Local History 020 8568 4757, www. http://islingtonfacesblog.com Society waterandsteam.org.uk Historical Association, www.lewishamhistory.org.uk Central London Branch Islington Local History London Socialist Historians 020 7323 1192, www.history. Centre Locating London’s Past Group org.uk, [email protected] Finsbury Library, 245 St John www.locatinglondon.org http://londonsocialist St, EC1V 4NB. 9.30am-8pm historians.blogspot.com Historic Towns Forum Mon and Thurs (shuts 6pm London Archaeological London Vintage Taxi www.historictowns forum.org every other Monday); Archive and Research Association 9.30am-5pm Tues, Fri and Sat; Centre Online Catalogue www.lvta.co.uk History of Harringay closed Weds and Sun; closed Lists over 7,500 sites, http:// www.harringayonline.com/ 1pm-2pm; 020 7527 7988; archive.museumoflondon.org. London Transport Museum group/historyofharringay [email protected], uk/laarc/catalogue/ 020 7379 6344, www. www.islington.gov.uk/heritage ltmuseum.co.uk Horniman Museum London Canal Museum 100 London Rd, SE23, 020 Islington Museum 12-13 New Wharf Road, N1 London Underground 8699 1872, www.horniman. 245 St John Street, EC1V 4NB, 9RT, 020 7713 0836, www. Railway Society ac.uk 10am-5pm, closed Weds and canalmuseum.org.uk [email protected]

Journal of the Islington Archaeology & History Society Autumn 2015 Vol 5 No 3 29 London Westminster & National Piers Society Science Museum Transport Trust Middlesex Family History www.piers.org.uk Exhibition Road, SW7 2DD. Lambeth Rd, SE1, 020 7928 Society www.sciencemuseum.org.uk 6464, www.transporttrust.com www.lwmfhs.org.uk Newcomen Society for the History of Engineering and Sir John Soane’s Museum Twentieth Century Society Markfield Beam Engine and Technology 13 Lincoln’s Inn Fields, WC2A 70 Cowcross St, EC1, 020 Museum 020 7371 4445, office@ 3BP, www.soane.org 7250 3857, www.c20society. Markfield Park, N15, 01707 newcomen.com org.uk 873628, [email protected] Smithfield Trust Newington Green Action 70 Cowcross St, EC1, 020 Union Chapel and Friends Mausolea & Monuments Group 7566 0041 of the Union Chapel Trust 020 7359 6027, www. Compton Avenue, N1 2XD, www.mmtrust.org.uk newingtongreen.org.uk Society of Genealogists www.unionchapel.org.uk/ www.sog.org.uk, 020 7251 pages/friends.html Marx Memorial Library New River Action Group 8799, booking: 020 7553 3290 37a Clerkenwell Green, EC1 [email protected], Victoria & Albert Museum 0DU, 020 7253 1485, info@ 020 8292 5987 Society for the Protection Cromwell Rd, SW7, 020 7907 marx-memorial-library.org of Ancient Buildings 7073, www.vam.ac.uk North London Railway 37 Spital Sq, E1 6DY, 020 7377 Museum of Brands Historical Society 1644, www.spab.org.uk V&A Museum of Childhood 020 7908 0880, info@ 020 7837 2542, www.nlrhs.org.uk Cambridge Heath Road, E2 museumofbrands.com Southwark and Lambeth 9PA, 020 8983 5200, www. Northview – 1930s estate Archaeology Society museumofchildhood.org.uk Museum of Domestic Design www.northview.org.uk 79 Ashridge Cres, SE18 3EA & Architecture (MoDA) Victorian Society 020 8411 4394, www.moda. Pauper Lives in Georgian The Streatham Society 020 8994 1019, www. mdx.ac.uk/home London and Manchester www.streathamsociety.org.uk victoriansociety.org.uk http://research.ncl.ac.uk/ Museum of London pauperlives Stuart Low Trust Wallace Collection 150 London Wall, EC2Y 5HN, www.slt.org.uk Hertford House, Manchester 020 7814 5511, info@ Peckham Society Sq, W1, 020 7563 9500, www. museumoflondon.org.uk www.peckhamsociety.org.uk Rotherhithe & Bermondsey wallacecollection.org Local History Society Museum of London Petrie Museum of Egyptian [email protected] Wallpaper History Society Archaeology Archaeology wallpaperhistorysociety. Mortimer Wheeler House, 46 UCL, Malet Place, WC1, www. Royal Archaeological org.uk Eagle Wharf Road, N1, 020 ucl.ac.uk/museums/petrie Institute 7410 2200, www.museum [email protected] Walthamstow Historical oflondon archaeology.org.uk Proceedings of the Old Bailey Society www.oldbaileyonline.org Royal College of Nursing www.walthamstow Museum of London Docklands Library and Heritage Centre historicalsociety.org.uk/ 020 7001 9844, www.museum Rescue/British 0345 337 3368, rcn.library@ oflondon.org.uk/docklands Archaeological Trust rcn.org.uk Wellcome Collection www.rescue-archaeology.org.uk www.wellcomecollection.org Museum of the Order of Thames Discovery Programme St John Ragged School Museum Mortimer Wheeler Hse, 46 John Wesley’s House and St John’s Gate, EC1M 4DA, 020 8980 6405, www.ragged Eagle Wharf Rd, N1, 020 7410 Museum of Methodism 020 7324 4005, www. schoolmuseum.org.uk 2207, thamesdiscovery.org 49 City Rd, EC1, www.wesleys museumstjohn.org.uk chapel.org.uk/museum.htm Rowan Arts Project Theatres Trust Musical Museum 020 7700 2062, www. 020 7836 8591, www. William Morris Gallery 399 High Street, TW8 0DU, therowanartsproject.com theatrestrust.org.uk Forest Road, E17, 020 8496 www.musicalmuseum.co.uk 4390, www.wmgallery.org.uk Royal Air Force Museum Theatres Trust National Archives 020 8205 2266, www. 22 Charing Cross Road, Wilmington Square Society 020 8876 3444, www. rafmuseum.org.uk/london WC2H 0QL, 020 7836 8591, www.thewilmington nationalarchives.gov.uk www.theatrestrust.org.uk squaresociety.org Royal Institute of British National Churches Trust Architects (RIBA) Tiles and Architectural Women’s Library Collection www.nationalchurchestrust. 66 Portland Place, W1B 1AD, Ceramics Society [email protected], org www.architecture.com http://tilesoc.org.uk [email protected]

30 Journal of the Islington Archaeology & History Society Autumn 2015 Vol 5 No 3 Islington Archaeology & History Society Events

Wednesday 16 September, 7.30pm, St Mary’s Meeting Rooms Wednesday 21 October, 7.30pm, Islington Town Hall.

How to rebuild a Georgian house The Jewish Population of London in 1851

Gary Butler Petra Laidlaw

Gary Butler will Long before the great describe how influxes at the end of the Butler Hegarty 19th century, London Architects already had one of the recreated a biggest Jewish 19th century populations in the world. house in This talk will focus on The Great Synagogue of London Canonbury. those living throughout Forty-seven London in 1851 – who they were, where they were, where they’d Canonbury Square had been partly demolished and was come from and where they were bound. They could be found in severely neglected but was rescued, restored and recreated. almost all walks of life – from beggars to bankers and pretty well This included rebuilding the flank wall, complete with bricked- anything in between. up window spaces using Their story of immigration, settlement and integration is one the cleaned, original that still resonates today. One of the attractions of London – like bricks. today – was probably the huge range of opportunities on offer. Her research has its origins in her much wider research on the Change of venue: this event whole Jewish population of the British Isles. will be held at St Mary’s Petra is the author of the The Jewish Communities of Islington, Meeting Rooms, Upper 1730s-1880s, published by the IAHS (page 20). Street N1 2TX, next to the church Happy 40th birthday to us! We’re holding a party to celebrate the Islington Archaeology & Wednesday 18 November, 7.30pm, Islington Town Hall History Society officially reaching middle age this year.

Rejecting war The party will be held in the Union Chapel’s Bruce Kent Upper Hall bar on Wednesday Bruce Kent, former chair of 16 December CND, now vice-president of the from 6.30pm. Movement for the Abolition of War, will be talking about As Rev Janet people who have had the Wootton, former courage to say “no” to war. secretary, says: “40 These include Professor Joseph years, eh! That’s an Rotblat, Sylvia Pankhust, Franz impressive record.” Jagerstatter and many more, who he says are “all an inspiration and encouragement Keep up to date with news and events at our Facebook for us today who work for a page, which now has over 200 members. more peaceful and just world”. l www.facebook.com/groups/islingtonhistory

The Islington Archaeology & History Society meets 10 times a year, usually at 7.30pm on the third Wednesday of the month at Islington Town Hall, Upper Street, N1. £1 donation/free to members. Everyone welcome. www.islingtonhistory.org.uk 47 Canonbury Square: Butler Hegarty; Great Synagogue: Wikimedia Commons; cake: Omer Wazir Commons; cake: Omer Wikimedia 47 Canonbury Square: Butler Hegarty; Great Synagogue:

Journal of the Islington Archaeology & History Society Autumn 2015 Vol 5 No 3 31 The Journal of the Islington Archaeology & History Society Back page picture

The grasshopper chirpeth and the bear grumbleth: one of the first picture books for children, Orbis Sensualium Pictus by Comenius (1659 edition), is on display at the free Animal Tales exhibition at the British Library. See page 27 British Library