WHAT WE CAMPAIGN ABOUT AND WHY GOLDEN MOMENTS OF SHAKESPEARE: 2010 SUMMER GARDEN PARTY The Canonbury Society More to our life than planning Shall I compare thee to a summer’s day? In celebration of summer, Shak-speare, and thenew To salute summer Thou art more lovely and more temperate. home of the Tower Theatre (see page 4), the and the Tower CONSERVING CANONBURY The phrase “Canonbury Conservation Area” at opposing incongruous redevelopment or issues being tackled within the borough, but also Rough winds do shake the darling buds of May, Canonbury Society’s annual Summer Garden Party Theatre’s new And summer’s lease hath all too short a date: will pay tribute to the Bard on 27 June from 1 to 4 p.m. home above the first glance might smack far more of things building alterations and promoting changes to join forces when necessary. NEWSLETTER 10 SPRING ancient than modern, but in fact, the Conserva- which might enhance Canonbury”. A good example of this cooperation was our Sometime too hot the eye of heaven shines, With the glittering assistance of the Tower Theatre ruins of London’s first And often is his GOLD* complexion dimm’d; troupe, our theme for 2010 is ‘golden moments of purpose-built playhouse where Shakespeare tion Area is surprisingly non- homogenous. The united front at the March planning committee And every fair from fair some time declines, Shakespeare.’ debuted his best-loved plays, the Canonbury Society architecture within it is by no means just This does mean much time monitoring planning, hearing on 85 Canonbury Road. Here the By chance, or nature’s changing course, untrimm’d; Members of the troupe festooned in gold will provide invites guests to don their golden finery. Georgian and Victorian, but actually spans eight tree and licensing applications, but this is far Society also represented The lslington Society, But thy eternal summer shall not fade... light entertainment as they join us in the grounds of centuries, from the original Canonbury House from being our only activity. The society also The Islington Archaeology & History Society, 40, Alwyne Road to share golden passages from Whatever weather the English summer brings, we (dating back to c.1370) to new developments in participates in many initiatives. Sometimes we The Upper Street -- Shakespeare’s Sonnet 18 Shakespeare’s sonnets and plays. Thanks to host intend to make Shakespearian merry. Members will WHO OWNS the very late 20th century (e.g. Irving Mews). lead with our own, such as “Save Our Shops”, Association, The Highbury Fields Association George Mackintosh. receive party details this summer. After centuries of being in private hands – the our 2009 campaign, and sometimes we support and The Estorick Collection. I suspect *Guests are invited to wear gold Northampton Estate – the Conservation Area’s others such as saving the Essex Road Post there will be more liaison in the future. biggest landowner by a distance is now Islington Office, Islington Council’s “I Shop Local”, the LOCAL GARDENS OPEN FOR CHARITY CANONBURY SOCIETY CANONBURY? Council, with 540 council-owned properties. Rose Bowl Youth Club, Friends of New River Do let us know if you think the Society should be By David Ireland Walk, and Safer Neighbourhoods. More involved in other initiatives or UNDER THE NATIONAL GARDENS SCHEME 2010 COMMITTEE MEMBERS Amid this diverse mix of architecture and recently, we attended a meeting of most of the campaigns. We are here to help! “Canonbury? Surely that’s not a place where people live?” The early history is well enough documented. The population, the Society’s principal aim is “to resident and conservation groups in Islington in 2010 Thus, Virginia Bell, grand-daughter of Vanessa and manor of Canonbury, a triangle bounded on the West by Evelyn Waugh: Half a conserve the special character of Canonbury by an effort not only to understand some of the Philip Walker, Chairman Sunday, 25 April Sunday, 20 June great-niece of Virginia Woolf, recalling the “pioneering” Upper Street, on the East by Lower Street (Essex Road) house in a slum move by her mother’s family into Canonbury in the 1930s. and on the North by Hopping Lane (St Paul’s Road) was Philip Walker - Chairman granted to the priory of St Bartholemew’s, Smithfield, in Malvern Terrace Gardens, Barnsbury Islington Gardens Canonbury has certainly had its ups and downs, 2 - 5:30 teas, music, plant sales 2 - 6 Liz Watson - Treasurer 1253 by Ralph de Berners. After the dissolution of the NEW CHALLENGES FOR LUCY WATT providing elegant homes in the 1840s and 1850s for the monasteries in 1536, it passed through the hands of Barnsbury Wood Rosemary Brown - Secretary, newsletter and wealthy, but by 1900, according to writer Paula Davies, Henry VIII, Thomas Cromwell, Anne of Cleves, the Earl Lucy Watt, Liberal Democrat Member for Canonbury Canonbury Society chairman Philip Walker paid tribute (off Crescent St, N of Thornhill Square) events colonised by a new generation of (heaven forbid!) “clerks, of Warwick, Edward VI, Thomas Wentworth and then, in SMALL Ward, and member and friend of the Canonbury Society to Lucy. “We have enjoyed working with Lucy. She’s Sunday, 6 June 1 Battlebridge Court, Wharfdale Road Sharon White - Membership Secretary jewellers, bricklayers and washerwomen”, and “during 1570, John Spencer, Lord Mayor of London. will not stand in the Islington Council elections in May. been a true friend of the Canonbury Society. We wish the depression between the wars, at its lowest ebb”. Vanessa Bell: Pioneering 44 Hemingford Road Jack Lambert - Planning, Chairman of Spencer’s daughter Eliza married Lord Compton in BUT NOT BEAUTIFUL A councillor since 2002, Lucy says now is the time to her well in future endeavours.” Evelyn Waugh semi-seriously described 17a Canonbury 37 Alwyne Road, Canonbury 36 Thornhill Square Friends of the New River Walk Square, briefly his home from 1928, as “half a house in a 1599, to whom the manor passed on her father’s death Disgusted of Canonbury writes... move on to a new challenge. in 1609. Lord Compton, later Earl of Northampton, 2 - 6 teas, raffle, plant sales 5 Northampton Park James Coates - Planning slum”. Come the late 1950s, though, spurred on by the “Whilst I've really loved the role over the last eight 1 - 5:30 new estate owners’ aim of “transforming Canonbury into began the Northampton family ownership of Canonbury Why oh why do we need the plague of new years, and will miss it immensely, I've decided that this David Ireland - Newsletter and events another Chelsea”, gentrification – or “Canonburyisation”, which ran on uninterrupted until first, 1938 (a postponed scheme by Islington Borough Council to build 564 20mph signs? While only 12 inches across, is the right thing to do,” she said. “Being a councillor in Susan Millership as then Times journalist Stuart Weir put it, and not as a Canonbury, and becoming deputy leader of the council, Sunday, 13 June homes in South-East Canonbury on part of the estate’s they are yet another piece of disfiguring compliment – saw the area trading up again (such that has been a huge privilege,” she said. Sunday, 18 July Jane Simmonds objectors to the creation of the first Marquess Estate in land) and then, 1954, when the Northampton Estate sold street signage. The new 20mph limit on non- De Beauvoir Gardens the majority of the old manor to two property companies, “I would really like to thank all of you who have been Marcella Menzies the late 1960s were described as “the snobs living in major roads in Islington has been heavily Western Ground Rents (jointly controlled by insurers supportive of my work in the ward. Without you all, we 2 - 6 teas 29 Canonbury Park North Canonbury”). promoted in the local press, average speed 158 Culford Road 12 - 4 Iain Carson Clerical Medical and Equity & Law) and Oriel Property would not have achieved so much in Canonbury.” Who owns (and owned) Canonbury, though? It’s not Trust. cameras are promised/threatened – isn’t that Goodbye and many thanks to Jacquie Lucy promises to remain involved with the local 114 de Beauvoir Road straightforward finding out – doing numerous Land enough? DI 52 Northchurch Road For further information consult The National Glomski, our former Membership Secretary. Registry searches is expensive, local streets and The Observer commented in 1965 that the Northampton community. Lucy Watt with Canonbury Society chairman Philip Walker Continuing thanks to Gill Hopkins 21 Northchurch Terrace Garden Scheme “Yellow Book” or squares were built piecemeal and could change their Estate retained “about 250 tenants and leases property (webmaster) and Beate Hohmann of Galaxe for £300 to £1000 a year, and more”. Today (we think), www.ngs.org.uk names, and ownership sleuths can’t always agree (the of Stars (website host). UK-wide land-based wealth of our richest landowner, the the Estate’s residual Canonbury ownership is SUPPORT OUR 7th Marquess of Northampton, was put at £200m by concentrated in and around Canonbury Place (including Kevin Cahill in Who Owns Britain in 2001, but at £65m in Canonbury Tower – now home to the Canonbury Canonbury Square – but not as we know it (in 1958); PRIORITIES the 2009 Sunday Times Rich List). CONTINUED ON PAGE 2 LOCAL SHOPS: The Photo credit: Islington Local History Centre Canonbury FOR SAFER NEIGHBOURHOODS SO FAR SO GOOD OUR 2010 AGM Message from the Chairman area. We are delighted to welcome Kate Graham the new WHAT’S INSIDE... Society JOIN UP! Conservation and Design Manager at Islington (see page 4). Fellow Canonbury Society Committee member “Support Our Local Shops” was the front page With much talk of Britain’s “broken society”, it was We are also grateful to our three supportive Ward Whether you want to meet new people, grill a Rose Bowl Centre's vital role Jane Simmonds and I sit on the Canonbury Safer “Current priorities are youth headline on last year’s newsletter, a plea at a time BENEFITS: Receive this Newsletter FREE. Attend special events such as heartening to hear at the Mayor’s Civic Awards ceremony Councillors and are sorry that Cllr Lucy Watt, who played a Counsellor, or share a glass of wine after the about the many selfless individuals running clubs (boxing, big part in many of our campaigns, is stepping down. (see Page 2 Neighbourhood Panel which meets regularly with engagement and burglary” when one-in-five London shops were predicted to fail garden parties and the AGM. Help support conservation in Canonbury. The proceedings, the Canonbury Society invites minimum subscription is £1.00, but further donations are always welcome. youth) and associations (tenant, learning disabilities) which page 5). the police team to discuss priorities and the latest by Christmas. One year on, shops around the country you to our Annual General Meeting on so enrich our community. Planning Please tick as appropriate, complete your name/address details, and make your crime situation. The Panel’s website: are indeed suffering, if not quite as much as feared – Wednesday 19th May at 7.30 p.m. (doors For more information about our campaigns and our work, do Friends of the New River Walk the national retail vacancy rate is now 12%. cheques payable to ‘The Canonbury Society’. Page 3 www.met.police.uk/teams/islington/canonbury/index.php I/We wish to pay open at 7 p.m.) at St. Stephen’s Church. Although The Canonbury Society was delighted to pick up visit our website at www.canonburysociety.org.uk. Current priorities are youth engagement and will be re-launched with a survey of residents and my/our annual an award (see page 4), and our thanks go to Cllr Barbara The picture in Canonbury is much more encouraging. NAME Smith for our nomination, we are conscious that our remit of Once again we enjoyed two Tower Theatre closer to being back burglary. We considered removing burglary from businesses to get their views on crime and subscription for New Conservation and Design Manager at on Shakespeare’s first stage Of the 30+ local shops surveyed 12 months ago, only preserving the outstanding beauty of Canonbury could good parties. Our summer ADDRESS 2010 Civic Award for Canonbury Society the list because the number had fallen over the priorities. We will let you know when it’s ready. one – Threshers (part of a national chain collapse) – Islington Council Kate Graham (see page 4) is appear largely motivated by self-interest. However, we party was held at 5 Canonbury always try to present balanced arguments whenever we Place and our winter party was Page 4 past two years, but they were up by 90% in Copies will also be available in hard copy. Survey has gone under. I/We wish to join our guest speaker. object or support initiatives, and we are proud of our efforts held at Myddelton Cottage in February. Youth engagement includes tackling results will be discussed at the next public meeting the Society A Campaigning Manifesto TEL as new to support Canonbury organisations and shops, and to Canonbury Park South. Our vandalism on the New River Green Estate and in at 7.30 p.m.on Tuesday 15 June at the Walter Islington Council is trying to raise awareness of local At the AGM, we’ll be seeking your views on preserve the landscape, for the benefit of all. heart-felt thanks go to our Local Shops Resilient Essex Road and supporting the Rose Bowl Youth Sickert Community Centre. Everyone is welcome. members forthcoming campaigns and inviting you to Page 5 shops by asking people to pledge to buy 50% of their EMAIL wonderful hosts, respectively nominate conservation projects for small Club, particularly through police training in boxing. James Coates weekly shopping locally. Sign the pledge I/We enclose Over the last year, we have reviewed many planning and Margaret and Stuart Evans (www.islington.gov.uk/shopping) and receive an “I grants.Committee members will report back tree applications as well as new policy documents issued by and Nina Konrad and Jerry AGM May 19 Summer Garden Party 27 June Shop Local” cotton shopping bag (200 already £ on parking, planning, finance, trees and Islington Council and the Mayor of London. As always, we Norton. are keen to work positively with all Council departments who Page 6 handed out, as we went to press). We encourage you PLEASE SEND TO: The Hon Treasurer, 5 Alwyne Place, London N1 2NL events. www.met.police.uk/teams/islington/canonbury/index.php directly affect the current and future life of our conservation Philip Walker to continue to shop locally. DI

PAGE 5 www.canonburysociety.org.uk The Canonbury Society - PAGE 6 www.canonburysociety.org.uk The Canonbury Society - CONSERVING CANONBURY PAGE 1 www.canonburysociety.org.uk The Canonbury Society - CONSERVING CANONBURY

PRINTED ON RECYCLED PAPER PRINTED ON RECYCLED PAPER PRINTED ON RECYCLED PAPER WHO OWNS CANONBURY? PLANNING: SOME THORNY ISSUES SHAKESPEARE RETURNS The Canonbury Society has reviewed 70 planning THE CANONBURY If you didn’t know better, you might think the Planning permission for the historic CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 applications since November 2009. Although The Society objected to several aspects of the extraordinary tale of the Tower Theatre troupe was an initiative was granted last October with Masonic Research Centre, but once the north-west generously on the assumption that if any property was Islington Council aims to send us relevant landscaping proposals for the garden, particularly unknown Shakespearian play. It’s a saga of pathos, a little bit of help from the Canonbury mystery, magic and most importantly...all is resolved in Society."The Society wrote us a lovely corner of the original Canonbury House which dates to sustain its price, areas like Canonbury were WHO LIVED IN the extent of hard paving and fake timber decking. applications, it is helpful if members inform us of the end. letter in support of our planning back to c.1370) and the Alwynes, though freeholds certainties”. cases causing concern. Current contentious Agreement has been reached on the species and YOUR HOUSE? Here’s the scenario. Five years after being forced out of application saying that we had been there have been gradually sold off. applications are: location of trees to replace those felled when the Canonbury Tower, their home for 50 years, the roving good neighbours for 50 years and that Private owners, property companies, the Northampton Who Lived In Your House? Finding out who lived in extension of the pub took place. a lot of members supported us and “Canonburyisation” certainly increased the proportion estate, the property arms of pension funds (e.g. BP and your own house (tracking ownership is much trickier) FORD GARAGE SITE, 85 CANONBURY ROAD troupe at last found a site in Shoreditch to build a theatre. Incredibly this solved the 500 year-old mystery would be interested in the project,” said of private ownership. Peter Thorold, in The London Shell Mex), all feature in Canonbury’s recent ownership can be researched at the excellent Islington Local BT OUTREACH EQUIPMENT BOXES The Canonbury Society has objected twice to of the whereabouts of London’s first purpose-built Penny Tuerk of the Tower Theatre. Rich, comments that (after 1954) “freeholds were roll but the biggest Canonbury landowner today is History Centre (Finsbury Library, 245 St John St, Tel: proposals to redevelop the site formerly occupied Increasing numbers of large dark green boxes (to usually in the hands of petty landlords who could make house new broadband equipment?) have been playhouse. The northeast corner of ‘The Theatre’ built Further archaeological investigations undoubtedly Islington Council. Within the Canonbury 0207-527-7988). The Centre possesses Rate Books by Highbury Ford. We are not opposed to by James Burbage in 1576 was uncovered on the very are scheduled before work begins on only miserable returns from renting”. Selling, though, appearing on our streets. We have objected in conservation area (thanks to Head of Housing Strategy (pre-1841 inquiries, street listings of each house and redevelopment but the sheer size, height and site being purchased by the Tower Theatre. The the site. Visitors to the Museum of involved displacing protected tenants (“in some cases, Denise Lewis, Principal Housing Development Officer particular to the one in Canonbury Road and a ratepayer), Census Returns (1841-1901, indexed by density of the predominantly residential scheme location of the playhouse where William Shakespeare London will be able to watch the dig by the means of persuasion were tough”). Author J.John Thandi Gonzales and their colleagues for the street) and Electoral Registers (1901 onwards, by proposed box in front of the listed pub, The that is hard to accept. We believe the scheme is launched his career -- where Romeo and Juliet webcam and view the finds in a gallery Palen (in his 1984 study of gentrification) adds that numbers), the council has 290 leaseholders and 250 ward and street). The Centre also has several guides Canonbury. Thanks to the efforts of local architect premiered -- would be the wandering troupe’s new devoted to this extraordinary unsympathetic to the buildings in the immediate “ownership was largely precluded until the 1960s tenants, in St Mary’s, Canonbury and Mildmay Wards, to tracing the history and age of your house. Phoning Roger Mears, public consultation is now being home. discovery. because of the difficulties of obtaining mortgage – thus a grand council-owned total of 540 (this vicinity; especially the diminution of the setting of ahead of a visit is recommended. DI made before the BT boxes are installed. Indeed, it may be more than a coincidence that After securing more than half of the finance....over time loan institutions...have lent excludes housing association tenants). the Grade 2* listed Union Chapel. COUNCIL PLANNING STRATEGIES Shakespeare’s company was also made ‘homeless’ by funding needed, the Tower Theatre The case attracted over 600 letters of objection Major plans for former listed cinema and bingo hall their landlord in 1598. Their eviction led to the has launched an appeal to raise £3.1 AND RELATED DOCUMENTS. The location of the playhouse (upper right) where William and 120 people attended the West Area Planning establishment of The Globe after Shakespeare and million to complete the work. You can We have considered and commented on four major company dismantled ‘The Theatre’, rowed it across the be part of bringing London theatre back to its roots by Shakespeare honed his skills will be the new home of the FORMER CARLTON CINEMA Committee in February where the proposals were documents published for consultation. Documents Thames and re-assembled it in time to perform Hamlet contacting [email protected] or donating Tower Theatre troupe. EVENTS IN 2010 REVEAL IMPORTANCE unanimously rejected. The applicant, Notting Hill (MECCA BINGO HALL) 1-3 replace the development plan. and Henry V. through the JustGiving site on Housing Trust, is likely to appeal. The Canonbury The Society objected to the scale of the additional 1. Islington Core Strategy www.justgiving.com/thetheatreappeal. housing proposed, with two storeys added on top of Now four centuries after re-emerging as The Globe, OF ROSE BOWL YOUTH CENTRE Society would like to thank everyone who wrote 2. Development Management Policies ‘The Theatre’ returns to life in its original location as the Meanwhile the show must go on and the Tower Theatre The Tower Theatre troupe will be sharing ’Golden and also Kate Graham, Islington’s Conservation the roof of the auditorium since the first public 3. Site Specific Allocations 21st century headquarters of the Tower Theatre. The continues to offer 18 productions a year including Julius Moments of Shakespeare’ at the Canonbury Society’s FRIENDS OF THE ROSE BOWL AND THE ROSE BOWL CENTRE REPORT and Design Manager, whose letter containing consultation. Although the block of flats on the 4. Tree Policy troupe is recreating the spirit of ‘The Theatre’ in a new Caesar on 13-22 May at St. Leonard’s Church, annual summer garden party. See page 6. criticism of the scheme accords with our own. Astey’s Row car park would hide the ugly rear and development incorporating a 135-seat auditorium and Shoreditch. For information about the productions and Along with other local amenity bodies, we met Rosemary Brown The beginning of the new decade brought success as for the Centre, but it relies on community support from the side elevations of the cinema, its height is excessive celebrating its illustrious predecessor. progress on The Theatre, visit www. towertheatre.org.uk. well as frustration to the Rose Bowl Centre and Friends of Rose Bowl Centre Management Committee and Friends 40 CANONBURY SQUARE Both the Society and and the glazed curtain wall is not aesthetically senior Council officers in the autumn and we the Rose Bowl. of the Rose Bowl to fund the running of the facility. several local residents have objected to the pleasing. There are also concerns about parking in maintain regular contact with our Councillors. proposals for a large subterranean development surrounding streets – particularly on Sundays when Following in the wake of a banner year in 2009 which saw “This situation really demonstrated the essential role the CIVIC AWARD FOR CANONBURY SOCIETY BRING US YOUR below the existing garden. there may be large church congregations. By James Coates and Philip Walker more young people than ever benefitting from the Rose Bowl Centre plays in the community,” said Jane The Canonbury Society was among nine organisations and Speaking at the ceremony, Islington's Mayor Cllr Anna CONSERVATION PROJECTS opportunities and support available, a decision to Simmonds, chair of The Rose Bowl Centre and The individuals honoured in the Mayor’s Civic Awards for 2010. Berent, said:"The Mayor's Civic Awards shines a spotlight temporarily close the Centre was taken in February Friends of the Rose Bowl. “Tensions run high on the New “Anything to do with Canonbury, they are there,” said Cllr. on those committed community-minded volunteers whose The Canonbury Society exists for its members, and to passion for improving life for those around them really following several break-ins and staffing issues. The River Green Estate. The Rose Bowl plays a pivotal role in Barbara Smith who nominated the Canonbury Society for conserve our local area. The Society currently has built captures the unique spirit of Islington.” homework clubs, break-dance classes, cooking lessons helping young people work towards meaningful goals to this year’s award. up a modest community fund which we would like to recycle back into local projects within the conservation and after-school meals, field trips and the achieve their potential. We look forward to continuing to FRIENDS OF THE NEW RIVER WALK Cllr. Smith paid tribute to the society’s beginnings in 1971 to The Canonbury Society was delighted to be recognised by area with a conservation theme. The subject will be newly-launched music studio supported by the support the excellent work of the Rose Bowl as soon as it save the Victorian villas known as The Alwynes from the Mayor’s Awards.”We hope that we will always be an discussed at this year’s AGM on 19 May(see page 6), community were put on hold while the Centre re-grouped can reopen.” CANONBURY GROVE SECTION DOG CONTROLS destruction. effective voice of reason in preserving the special character but if you have a project to be considered, please send following staffing matters and extensive damage Young people from the Rose Bowl Youth Centre enjoyed Crucial areas of waterfowl habitat were lost or Last summer also saw considerable damage caused of Canonbury,” Philip Walker, chairman of the Canonbury The Friends of the Rose Bowl is grateful for the “The fight was won and the Canonbury Society continues to Society, said. details (nature of project, location, conservation angle) acquired during the vandalism. sightseeing in London greatly diminished when shrubs and undergrowth by powerful dogs “ring-barking” numerous trees, community support that allows it to reinforce and expand preserve the special character of the conservation area by to the Hon Treasurer, Canonbury Society, 5 Alwyne were severely cut back in early March by private after being encouraged by owners to sharpen their A task force including representatives from the Rose the essential work of the Rose Bowl Centre. “We want to monitoring planning applications and being involved in Place, London, N1 2NL. DI contractors employed by the Council. Very low claws on them. Happily, a two week regime of Bowl Management Committee and Friends of the Rose assure everyone who lives locally that we are doing To keep up to date on progress at the Rose Bowl licensing applications, traffic schemes and environmental branches and vegetation over the water which used Bowl has been set up to ensure the centre opens just as everything possible to re-open a new and improved Centre, visit www.friendsoftherosebowl.org.uk and intensive, on-site monitoring and education by issues,” she told the audience assembled to recognise the efforts of those who make Islington a better place to live. soon as possible. It is led by Thanos Morphitis, Director centre. We need your support more than ever,” Jane http://www.rosebowlcentre.org. to provide cover and nest supports for moorhens specialist Parks Patrol Officers averted the need to of Strategy and Commissioning for Islington Children's Simmonds said. were removed. Areas hardest hit were the southern change the existing ‘Dogs on lead when asked’ “The wonderful thing about the Canonbury Society is that is New roles at SPAB Services. Islington Council has operational responsibility Rosemary Brown island and the Alwyne Road bank running south to notices to a stricter ‘Dog Free Zone’. has not fossilised – you always meet new people,” said Cllr. Canonbury Road. We are assured that in the future Smith. “Today the Society is thriving.” VOLUNTEERS contractors will have to adhere to the principles of The Canonbury Society will celebrate its 40th birthday in . . . and St Paul’s WRITE ON FOR THE ROSE BOWL: SKIPPING FOR HAITI Local Friends spent over 132 ‘person hours’ in 46 Gone, (now back) fishing the existing wildlife management plan. 2011. “I am delighted they will enter their 40th year as Canonbury Society committee members were honoured Combining living in Canonbury with passions which POSTCARDS DELIVER PROCEEDS Young people at The Rose Bowl Centre skipped into action sessions over the year, thinning out water plants holders of the Mayor’s Civic Award,” said Cllr. Smith. with the Mayor’s Civic Award. Photo credit: Charles Dean must surely echo with most Canonbury Society A series of vivid, quirky Islington postcards are on sale to to raise funds for children caught in Haiti’s earthquake. WILDLIFE which quickly block the water circulation if left HERON RETURNS, RATS DISAPPEAR Another good year for the moorhens, with two members, David Heath was at the turn of the year raise funds for The Rose Bowl Centre. The Skipathon supporting UNICEF's Haiti Earthquake unchecked. Workers included: Diane Brace and her After an unexplained absence of over seven months, breeding pairs producing lots of chicks in two batches. granddaughters; James Coates; William Greaves; elected new chairman of the Society for the Children's Appeal was held 25th January when young Protection of Ancient Buildings, Britain’s oldest The colourful images have been assembled by Canonbury the original June 1998 heron (or a close look-a-like) Most grew to adulthood and moved off eventually. George Mackintosh and his children – Islay, Iona WELCOME TO OUR NEW CONSERVATION OFFICER people skipped in a continuous relay for as long as heritage charity, founded in 1877. David was Chief Society committee member, Susan Millership, and returned to fish on 25 September, and has again Once again, the five or so ‘resident’ mallards failed to and Euan; Jack Lambert and Liz, Philip and Tom possible during the evening youth session. They raised an Kate Graham joined the London career in the conservation arena Conservation Architect for English Heritage until designer Robin Farrow. All the proceeds go to The Rose become a regular and welcome visitor. Brown rats in produce any surviving ducklings, possibly due to impressive £500. Skipping ropes were provided by the Walker. A new record was set on 22 August when Borough of Islington in and has a particular interest in the 2007. At SPAB, he will oversee the completion and Bowl Centre, via the Friends of the Rose Bowl. Canonbury Safer Neighbourhood Team. and along the river became so prevalent that last numerous local predators. Compared to moorhens, nine volunteers got to work in the presence of seven November 2009 as Conservation role that local communities play in launch of the society’s new Strategic Plan, as well as June, professional pest controllers were brought in the mallards are somewhat laid back parents. newly hatched moorhen chicks. and Design Manager. Among her the protection of the historic emphasising the day-to-day importance of conserva- Jane Simmonds, chairwoman of the Friends of the Rose GALA AUCTION SUCCESS! and the rats disappeared within a day or two (not to responsibilities will be a review environment. HISTORIC RAILINGS RESTORATION tive repair. Bowl, said: "The postcards have not only helped to raise Write way to raise funds: Sales of postcards of Canonbury Once again the Canonbury community pulled out all the stops to return, but do let us know if you see any). Saturday morning volunteer sessions run from April of existing conservation areas the profile of the Rose Bowl Centre, but they've also support the work of the Rose Bowl Youth Centre. Photo raise an amazing £20,000 during the Friends of the Rose Bowl The railings condition survey, funded jointly by The to October, weather permitting. and the preparation of character Kate has a degree in Building Gavin Ralston, who with wife Nicola has generously brought in valuable extra funds." credit: Tony Mines auction in February. Held at The Canonbury, the auction attracted CARP POPULATION Friends and the Council’s Canonbury Area Budget appraisals for each. Conservation from London’s Ring Jack Lambert on 0207 359 8315 for details. over 150 guests who bid on items ranging from weekends in Last summer saw an enormous increase in medium- Grant, has been completed. Temporary stabilising Architectural Association, in hosted both summer and Christmas parties for the country cottages to teeth whitening and gourmet meals. Society at Canonbury House, has been appointed a Mary Wiggin, managing director of Coexistence, on Upper The cards are available via the Friends of the Rose Bowl sized fish (6 to 9 inches long) which are clearly the supports have been installed at a number of panels Prior to her new role, Kate spent addition to her MA in Ancient History Lay Canon at St Paul’s Cathedral. Gavin, who also Street, Islington, which is sponsoring some of the printing website at www.friendsoftherosebowl.org and at Monte’s A special thanks goes to the community for its continuing support offspring of the six original 12-15 inch mirror carp rendered potentially unsafe by growing tree roots. four years in English Heritage’s London Region and MA in Architectural History. serves as a churchwarden of St Lawrence Jewry in said: “We are proud to support a local charity that is so Delicatessen, 23 Canonbury Lane. A pack of seven cards along with all those who donated such a wonderful range of prizes, introduced to the restored ‘river’ in June 1998 when This gives us time to explore sources of funding for By Jack Lambert as a Senior Historic Buildings Adviser the City of London, was formally appointed at an dynamic in working to improve young people's prospects." costs £4. the auctioneers and the team who organised and ran the event. Princess Alexandra re-opened the gardens. restoration which could cost up to £250,000. Chairman, Friends of the New River Walk specialising in the care and repair of the Kate is the guest speaker at The Canonbury historic environment. She has enjoyed a varied Society AGM on 19th May (see page 6). “installation Evensong” on 8 March 2010. PAGE 2 www.canonburysociety.org.uk The Canonbury Society - CONSERVING CANONBURY PAGE 3 www.canonburysociety.org.uk The Canonbury Society - CONSERVING CANONBURY PAGE 4 www.canonburysociety.org.uk The Canonbury Society - CONSERVING CANONBURY

PRINTED ON RECYCLED PAPER PRINTED ON RECYCLED PAPER PRINTED ON RECYCLED PAPER WHO OWNS CANONBURY? PLANNING: SOME THORNY ISSUES SHAKESPEARE RETURNS The Canonbury Society has reviewed 70 planning THE CANONBURY If you didn’t know better, you might think the Planning permission for the historic CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 applications since November 2009. Although The Society objected to several aspects of the extraordinary tale of the Tower Theatre troupe was an initiative was granted last October with Masonic Research Centre, but once the north-west generously on the assumption that if any property was Islington Council aims to send us relevant landscaping proposals for the garden, particularly unknown Shakespearian play. It’s a saga of pathos, a little bit of help from the Canonbury mystery, magic and most importantly...all is resolved in Society."The Society wrote us a lovely corner of the original Canonbury House which dates to sustain its price, areas like Canonbury were WHO LIVED IN the extent of hard paving and fake timber decking. applications, it is helpful if members inform us of the end. letter in support of our planning back to c.1370) and the Alwynes, though freeholds certainties”. cases causing concern. Current contentious Agreement has been reached on the species and YOUR HOUSE? Here’s the scenario. Five years after being forced out of application saying that we had been there have been gradually sold off. applications are: location of trees to replace those felled when the Canonbury Tower, their home for 50 years, the roving good neighbours for 50 years and that Private owners, property companies, the Northampton Who Lived In Your House? Finding out who lived in extension of the pub took place. a lot of members supported us and “Canonburyisation” certainly increased the proportion estate, the property arms of pension funds (e.g. BP and your own house (tracking ownership is much trickier) FORD GARAGE SITE, 85 CANONBURY ROAD troupe at last found a site in Shoreditch to build a theatre. Incredibly this solved the 500 year-old mystery would be interested in the project,” said of private ownership. Peter Thorold, in The London Shell Mex), all feature in Canonbury’s recent ownership can be researched at the excellent Islington Local BT OUTREACH EQUIPMENT BOXES The Canonbury Society has objected twice to of the whereabouts of London’s first purpose-built Penny Tuerk of the Tower Theatre. Rich, comments that (after 1954) “freeholds were roll but the biggest Canonbury landowner today is History Centre (Finsbury Library, 245 St John St, Tel: proposals to redevelop the site formerly occupied Increasing numbers of large dark green boxes (to usually in the hands of petty landlords who could make house new broadband equipment?) have been playhouse. The northeast corner of ‘The Theatre’ built Further archaeological investigations undoubtedly Islington Council. Within the Canonbury 0207-527-7988). The Centre possesses Rate Books by Highbury Ford. We are not opposed to by James Burbage in 1576 was uncovered on the very are scheduled before work begins on only miserable returns from renting”. Selling, though, appearing on our streets. We have objected in conservation area (thanks to Head of Housing Strategy (pre-1841 inquiries, street listings of each house and redevelopment but the sheer size, height and site being purchased by the Tower Theatre. The the site. Visitors to the Museum of involved displacing protected tenants (“in some cases, Denise Lewis, Principal Housing Development Officer particular to the one in Canonbury Road and a ratepayer), Census Returns (1841-1901, indexed by density of the predominantly residential scheme location of the playhouse where William Shakespeare London will be able to watch the dig by the means of persuasion were tough”). Author J.John Thandi Gonzales and their colleagues for the street) and Electoral Registers (1901 onwards, by proposed box in front of the listed pub, The that is hard to accept. We believe the scheme is launched his career -- where Romeo and Juliet webcam and view the finds in a gallery Palen (in his 1984 study of gentrification) adds that numbers), the council has 290 leaseholders and 250 ward and street). The Centre also has several guides Canonbury. Thanks to the efforts of local architect premiered -- would be the wandering troupe’s new devoted to this extraordinary unsympathetic to the buildings in the immediate “ownership was largely precluded until the 1960s tenants, in St Mary’s, Canonbury and Mildmay Wards, to tracing the history and age of your house. Phoning Roger Mears, public consultation is now being home. discovery. because of the difficulties of obtaining mortgage – thus a grand council-owned total of 540 (this vicinity; especially the diminution of the setting of ahead of a visit is recommended. DI made before the BT boxes are installed. Indeed, it may be more than a coincidence that After securing more than half of the finance....over time loan institutions...have lent excludes housing association tenants). the Grade 2* listed Union Chapel. COUNCIL PLANNING STRATEGIES Shakespeare’s company was also made ‘homeless’ by funding needed, the Tower Theatre The case attracted over 600 letters of objection Major plans for former listed cinema and bingo hall their landlord in 1598. Their eviction led to the has launched an appeal to raise £3.1 AND RELATED DOCUMENTS. The location of the playhouse (upper right) where William and 120 people attended the West Area Planning establishment of The Globe after Shakespeare and million to complete the work. You can We have considered and commented on four major company dismantled ‘The Theatre’, rowed it across the be part of bringing London theatre back to its roots by Shakespeare honed his skills will be the new home of the FORMER CARLTON CINEMA Committee in February where the proposals were documents published for consultation. Documents Thames and re-assembled it in time to perform Hamlet contacting [email protected] or donating Tower Theatre troupe. EVENTS IN 2010 REVEAL IMPORTANCE unanimously rejected. The applicant, Notting Hill (MECCA BINGO HALL) 1-3 replace the development plan. and Henry V. through the JustGiving site on Housing Trust, is likely to appeal. The Canonbury The Society objected to the scale of the additional 1. Islington Core Strategy www.justgiving.com/thetheatreappeal. housing proposed, with two storeys added on top of Now four centuries after re-emerging as The Globe, OF ROSE BOWL YOUTH CENTRE Society would like to thank everyone who wrote 2. Development Management Policies ‘The Theatre’ returns to life in its original location as the Meanwhile the show must go on and the Tower Theatre The Tower Theatre troupe will be sharing ’Golden and also Kate Graham, Islington’s Conservation the roof of the auditorium since the first public 3. Site Specific Allocations 21st century headquarters of the Tower Theatre. The continues to offer 18 productions a year including Julius Moments of Shakespeare’ at the Canonbury Society’s FRIENDS OF THE ROSE BOWL AND THE ROSE BOWL CENTRE REPORT and Design Manager, whose letter containing consultation. Although the block of flats on the 4. Tree Policy troupe is recreating the spirit of ‘The Theatre’ in a new Caesar on 13-22 May at St. Leonard’s Church, annual summer garden party. See page 6. criticism of the scheme accords with our own. Astey’s Row car park would hide the ugly rear and development incorporating a 135-seat auditorium and Shoreditch. For information about the productions and Along with other local amenity bodies, we met Rosemary Brown The beginning of the new decade brought success as for the Centre, but it relies on community support from the side elevations of the cinema, its height is excessive celebrating its illustrious predecessor. progress on The Theatre, visit www. towertheatre.org.uk. well as frustration to the Rose Bowl Centre and Friends of Rose Bowl Centre Management Committee and Friends 40 CANONBURY SQUARE Both the Society and and the glazed curtain wall is not aesthetically senior Council officers in the autumn and we the Rose Bowl. of the Rose Bowl to fund the running of the facility. several local residents have objected to the pleasing. There are also concerns about parking in maintain regular contact with our Councillors. proposals for a large subterranean development surrounding streets – particularly on Sundays when Following in the wake of a banner year in 2009 which saw “This situation really demonstrated the essential role the CIVIC AWARD FOR CANONBURY SOCIETY BRING US YOUR below the existing garden. there may be large church congregations. By James Coates and Philip Walker more young people than ever benefitting from the Rose Bowl Centre plays in the community,” said Jane The Canonbury Society was among nine organisations and Speaking at the ceremony, Islington's Mayor Cllr Anna CONSERVATION PROJECTS opportunities and support available, a decision to Simmonds, chair of The Rose Bowl Centre and The individuals honoured in the Mayor’s Civic Awards for 2010. Berent, said:"The Mayor's Civic Awards shines a spotlight temporarily close the Centre was taken in February Friends of the Rose Bowl. “Tensions run high on the New “Anything to do with Canonbury, they are there,” said Cllr. on those committed community-minded volunteers whose The Canonbury Society exists for its members, and to passion for improving life for those around them really following several break-ins and staffing issues. The River Green Estate. The Rose Bowl plays a pivotal role in Barbara Smith who nominated the Canonbury Society for conserve our local area. The Society currently has built captures the unique spirit of Islington.” homework clubs, break-dance classes, cooking lessons helping young people work towards meaningful goals to this year’s award. up a modest community fund which we would like to recycle back into local projects within the conservation and after-school meals, field trips and the achieve their potential. We look forward to continuing to FRIENDS OF THE NEW RIVER WALK Cllr. Smith paid tribute to the society’s beginnings in 1971 to The Canonbury Society was delighted to be recognised by area with a conservation theme. The subject will be newly-launched music studio supported by the support the excellent work of the Rose Bowl as soon as it save the Victorian villas known as The Alwynes from the Mayor’s Awards.”We hope that we will always be an discussed at this year’s AGM on 19 May(see page 6), community were put on hold while the Centre re-grouped can reopen.” CANONBURY GROVE SECTION DOG CONTROLS destruction. effective voice of reason in preserving the special character but if you have a project to be considered, please send following staffing matters and extensive damage Young people from the Rose Bowl Youth Centre enjoyed Crucial areas of waterfowl habitat were lost or Last summer also saw considerable damage caused of Canonbury,” Philip Walker, chairman of the Canonbury The Friends of the Rose Bowl is grateful for the “The fight was won and the Canonbury Society continues to Society, said. details (nature of project, location, conservation angle) acquired during the vandalism. sightseeing in London greatly diminished when shrubs and undergrowth by powerful dogs “ring-barking” numerous trees, community support that allows it to reinforce and expand preserve the special character of the conservation area by to the Hon Treasurer, Canonbury Society, 5 Alwyne were severely cut back in early March by private after being encouraged by owners to sharpen their A task force including representatives from the Rose the essential work of the Rose Bowl Centre. “We want to monitoring planning applications and being involved in Place, London, N1 2NL. DI contractors employed by the Council. Very low claws on them. Happily, a two week regime of Bowl Management Committee and Friends of the Rose assure everyone who lives locally that we are doing To keep up to date on progress at the Rose Bowl licensing applications, traffic schemes and environmental branches and vegetation over the water which used Bowl has been set up to ensure the centre opens just as everything possible to re-open a new and improved Centre, visit www.friendsoftherosebowl.org.uk and intensive, on-site monitoring and education by issues,” she told the audience assembled to recognise the efforts of those who make Islington a better place to live. soon as possible. It is led by Thanos Morphitis, Director centre. We need your support more than ever,” Jane http://www.rosebowlcentre.org. to provide cover and nest supports for moorhens specialist Parks Patrol Officers averted the need to of Strategy and Commissioning for Islington Children's Simmonds said. were removed. Areas hardest hit were the southern change the existing ‘Dogs on lead when asked’ “The wonderful thing about the Canonbury Society is that is New roles at SPAB Services. Islington Council has operational responsibility Rosemary Brown island and the Alwyne Road bank running south to notices to a stricter ‘Dog Free Zone’. has not fossilised – you always meet new people,” said Cllr. Canonbury Road. We are assured that in the future Smith. “Today the Society is thriving.” VOLUNTEERS contractors will have to adhere to the principles of The Canonbury Society will celebrate its 40th birthday in . . . and St Paul’s WRITE ON FOR THE ROSE BOWL: SKIPPING FOR HAITI Local Friends spent over 132 ‘person hours’ in 46 Gone, (now back) fishing the existing wildlife management plan. 2011. “I am delighted they will enter their 40th year as Canonbury Society committee members were honoured Combining living in Canonbury with passions which POSTCARDS DELIVER PROCEEDS Young people at The Rose Bowl Centre skipped into action sessions over the year, thinning out water plants holders of the Mayor’s Civic Award,” said Cllr. Smith. with the Mayor’s Civic Award. Photo credit: Charles Dean must surely echo with most Canonbury Society A series of vivid, quirky Islington postcards are on sale to to raise funds for children caught in Haiti’s earthquake. WILDLIFE which quickly block the water circulation if left HERON RETURNS, RATS DISAPPEAR Another good year for the moorhens, with two members, David Heath was at the turn of the year raise funds for The Rose Bowl Centre. The Skipathon supporting UNICEF's Haiti Earthquake unchecked. Workers included: Diane Brace and her After an unexplained absence of over seven months, breeding pairs producing lots of chicks in two batches. granddaughters; James Coates; William Greaves; elected new chairman of the Society for the Children's Appeal was held 25th January when young Protection of Ancient Buildings, Britain’s oldest The colourful images have been assembled by Canonbury the original June 1998 heron (or a close look-a-like) Most grew to adulthood and moved off eventually. George Mackintosh and his children – Islay, Iona WELCOME TO OUR NEW CONSERVATION OFFICER people skipped in a continuous relay for as long as heritage charity, founded in 1877. David was Chief Society committee member, Susan Millership, and returned to fish on 25 September, and has again Once again, the five or so ‘resident’ mallards failed to and Euan; Jack Lambert and Liz, Philip and Tom possible during the evening youth session. They raised an Kate Graham joined the London career in the conservation arena Conservation Architect for English Heritage until designer Robin Farrow. All the proceeds go to The Rose become a regular and welcome visitor. Brown rats in produce any surviving ducklings, possibly due to impressive £500. Skipping ropes were provided by the Walker. A new record was set on 22 August when Borough of Islington in and has a particular interest in the 2007. At SPAB, he will oversee the completion and Bowl Centre, via the Friends of the Rose Bowl. Canonbury Safer Neighbourhood Team. and along the river became so prevalent that last numerous local predators. Compared to moorhens, nine volunteers got to work in the presence of seven November 2009 as Conservation role that local communities play in launch of the society’s new Strategic Plan, as well as June, professional pest controllers were brought in the mallards are somewhat laid back parents. newly hatched moorhen chicks. and Design Manager. Among her the protection of the historic emphasising the day-to-day importance of conserva- Jane Simmonds, chairwoman of the Friends of the Rose GALA AUCTION SUCCESS! and the rats disappeared within a day or two (not to responsibilities will be a review environment. HISTORIC RAILINGS RESTORATION tive repair. Bowl, said: "The postcards have not only helped to raise Write way to raise funds: Sales of postcards of Canonbury Once again the Canonbury community pulled out all the stops to return, but do let us know if you see any). Saturday morning volunteer sessions run from April of existing conservation areas the profile of the Rose Bowl Centre, but they've also support the work of the Rose Bowl Youth Centre. Photo raise an amazing £20,000 during the Friends of the Rose Bowl The railings condition survey, funded jointly by The to October, weather permitting. and the preparation of character Kate has a degree in Building Gavin Ralston, who with wife Nicola has generously brought in valuable extra funds." credit: Tony Mines auction in February. Held at The Canonbury, the auction attracted CARP POPULATION Friends and the Council’s Canonbury Area Budget appraisals for each. Conservation from London’s Ring Jack Lambert on 0207 359 8315 for details. over 150 guests who bid on items ranging from weekends in Last summer saw an enormous increase in medium- Grant, has been completed. Temporary stabilising Architectural Association, in hosted both summer and Christmas parties for the country cottages to teeth whitening and gourmet meals. Society at Canonbury House, has been appointed a Mary Wiggin, managing director of Coexistence, on Upper The cards are available via the Friends of the Rose Bowl sized fish (6 to 9 inches long) which are clearly the supports have been installed at a number of panels Prior to her new role, Kate spent addition to her MA in Ancient History Lay Canon at St Paul’s Cathedral. Gavin, who also Street, Islington, which is sponsoring some of the printing website at www.friendsoftherosebowl.org and at Monte’s A special thanks goes to the community for its continuing support offspring of the six original 12-15 inch mirror carp rendered potentially unsafe by growing tree roots. four years in English Heritage’s London Region and MA in Architectural History. serves as a churchwarden of St Lawrence Jewry in said: “We are proud to support a local charity that is so Delicatessen, 23 Canonbury Lane. A pack of seven cards along with all those who donated such a wonderful range of prizes, introduced to the restored ‘river’ in June 1998 when This gives us time to explore sources of funding for By Jack Lambert as a Senior Historic Buildings Adviser the City of London, was formally appointed at an dynamic in working to improve young people's prospects." costs £4. the auctioneers and the team who organised and ran the event. Princess Alexandra re-opened the gardens. restoration which could cost up to £250,000. Chairman, Friends of the New River Walk specialising in the care and repair of the Kate is the guest speaker at The Canonbury historic environment. She has enjoyed a varied Society AGM on 19th May (see page 6). “installation Evensong” on 8 March 2010. PAGE 2 www.canonburysociety.org.uk The Canonbury Society - CONSERVING CANONBURY PAGE 3 www.canonburysociety.org.uk The Canonbury Society - CONSERVING CANONBURY PAGE 4 www.canonburysociety.org.uk The Canonbury Society - CONSERVING CANONBURY

PRINTED ON RECYCLED PAPER PRINTED ON RECYCLED PAPER PRINTED ON RECYCLED PAPER WHO OWNS CANONBURY? PLANNING: SOME THORNY ISSUES SHAKESPEARE RETURNS The Canonbury Society has reviewed 70 planning THE CANONBURY If you didn’t know better, you might think the Planning permission for the historic CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 applications since November 2009. Although The Society objected to several aspects of the extraordinary tale of the Tower Theatre troupe was an initiative was granted last October with Masonic Research Centre, but once the north-west generously on the assumption that if any property was Islington Council aims to send us relevant landscaping proposals for the garden, particularly unknown Shakespearian play. It’s a saga of pathos, a little bit of help from the Canonbury mystery, magic and most importantly...all is resolved in Society."The Society wrote us a lovely corner of the original Canonbury House which dates to sustain its price, areas like Canonbury were WHO LIVED IN the extent of hard paving and fake timber decking. applications, it is helpful if members inform us of the end. letter in support of our planning back to c.1370) and the Alwynes, though freeholds certainties”. cases causing concern. Current contentious Agreement has been reached on the species and YOUR HOUSE? Here’s the scenario. Five years after being forced out of application saying that we had been there have been gradually sold off. applications are: location of trees to replace those felled when the Canonbury Tower, their home for 50 years, the roving good neighbours for 50 years and that Private owners, property companies, the Northampton Who Lived In Your House? Finding out who lived in extension of the pub took place. a lot of members supported us and “Canonburyisation” certainly increased the proportion estate, the property arms of pension funds (e.g. BP and your own house (tracking ownership is much trickier) FORD GARAGE SITE, 85 CANONBURY ROAD troupe at last found a site in Shoreditch to build a theatre. Incredibly this solved the 500 year-old mystery would be interested in the project,” said of private ownership. Peter Thorold, in The London Shell Mex), all feature in Canonbury’s recent ownership can be researched at the excellent Islington Local BT OUTREACH EQUIPMENT BOXES The Canonbury Society has objected twice to of the whereabouts of London’s first purpose-built Penny Tuerk of the Tower Theatre. Rich, comments that (after 1954) “freeholds were roll but the biggest Canonbury landowner today is History Centre (Finsbury Library, 245 St John St, Tel: proposals to redevelop the site formerly occupied Increasing numbers of large dark green boxes (to usually in the hands of petty landlords who could make house new broadband equipment?) have been playhouse. The northeast corner of ‘The Theatre’ built Further archaeological investigations undoubtedly Islington Council. Within the Canonbury 0207-527-7988). The Centre possesses Rate Books by Highbury Ford. We are not opposed to by James Burbage in 1576 was uncovered on the very are scheduled before work begins on only miserable returns from renting”. Selling, though, appearing on our streets. We have objected in conservation area (thanks to Head of Housing Strategy (pre-1841 inquiries, street listings of each house and redevelopment but the sheer size, height and site being purchased by the Tower Theatre. The the site. Visitors to the Museum of involved displacing protected tenants (“in some cases, Denise Lewis, Principal Housing Development Officer particular to the one in Canonbury Road and a ratepayer), Census Returns (1841-1901, indexed by density of the predominantly residential scheme location of the playhouse where William Shakespeare London will be able to watch the dig by the means of persuasion were tough”). Author J.John Thandi Gonzales and their colleagues for the street) and Electoral Registers (1901 onwards, by proposed box in front of the listed pub, The that is hard to accept. We believe the scheme is launched his career -- where Romeo and Juliet webcam and view the finds in a gallery Palen (in his 1984 study of gentrification) adds that numbers), the council has 290 leaseholders and 250 ward and street). The Centre also has several guides Canonbury. Thanks to the efforts of local architect premiered -- would be the wandering troupe’s new devoted to this extraordinary unsympathetic to the buildings in the immediate “ownership was largely precluded until the 1960s tenants, in St Mary’s, Canonbury and Mildmay Wards, to tracing the history and age of your house. Phoning Roger Mears, public consultation is now being home. discovery. because of the difficulties of obtaining mortgage – thus a grand council-owned total of 540 (this vicinity; especially the diminution of the setting of ahead of a visit is recommended. DI made before the BT boxes are installed. Indeed, it may be more than a coincidence that After securing more than half of the finance....over time loan institutions...have lent excludes housing association tenants). the Grade 2* listed Union Chapel. COUNCIL PLANNING STRATEGIES Shakespeare’s company was also made ‘homeless’ by funding needed, the Tower Theatre The case attracted over 600 letters of objection Major plans for former listed cinema and bingo hall their landlord in 1598. Their eviction led to the has launched an appeal to raise £3.1 AND RELATED DOCUMENTS. The location of the playhouse (upper right) where William and 120 people attended the West Area Planning establishment of The Globe after Shakespeare and million to complete the work. You can We have considered and commented on four major company dismantled ‘The Theatre’, rowed it across the be part of bringing London theatre back to its roots by Shakespeare honed his skills will be the new home of the FORMER CARLTON CINEMA Committee in February where the proposals were documents published for consultation. Documents Thames and re-assembled it in time to perform Hamlet contacting [email protected] or donating Tower Theatre troupe. EVENTS IN 2010 REVEAL IMPORTANCE unanimously rejected. The applicant, Notting Hill (MECCA BINGO HALL) 1-3 replace the development plan. and Henry V. through the JustGiving site on Housing Trust, is likely to appeal. The Canonbury The Society objected to the scale of the additional 1. Islington Core Strategy www.justgiving.com/thetheatreappeal. housing proposed, with two storeys added on top of Now four centuries after re-emerging as The Globe, OF ROSE BOWL YOUTH CENTRE Society would like to thank everyone who wrote 2. Development Management Policies ‘The Theatre’ returns to life in its original location as the Meanwhile the show must go on and the Tower Theatre The Tower Theatre troupe will be sharing ’Golden and also Kate Graham, Islington’s Conservation the roof of the auditorium since the first public 3. Site Specific Allocations 21st century headquarters of the Tower Theatre. The continues to offer 18 productions a year including Julius Moments of Shakespeare’ at the Canonbury Society’s FRIENDS OF THE ROSE BOWL AND THE ROSE BOWL CENTRE REPORT and Design Manager, whose letter containing consultation. Although the block of flats on the 4. Tree Policy troupe is recreating the spirit of ‘The Theatre’ in a new Caesar on 13-22 May at St. Leonard’s Church, annual summer garden party. See page 6. criticism of the scheme accords with our own. Astey’s Row car park would hide the ugly rear and development incorporating a 135-seat auditorium and Shoreditch. For information about the productions and Along with other local amenity bodies, we met Rosemary Brown The beginning of the new decade brought success as for the Centre, but it relies on community support from the side elevations of the cinema, its height is excessive celebrating its illustrious predecessor. progress on The Theatre, visit www. towertheatre.org.uk. well as frustration to the Rose Bowl Centre and Friends of Rose Bowl Centre Management Committee and Friends 40 CANONBURY SQUARE Both the Society and and the glazed curtain wall is not aesthetically senior Council officers in the autumn and we the Rose Bowl. of the Rose Bowl to fund the running of the facility. several local residents have objected to the pleasing. There are also concerns about parking in maintain regular contact with our Councillors. proposals for a large subterranean development surrounding streets – particularly on Sundays when Following in the wake of a banner year in 2009 which saw “This situation really demonstrated the essential role the CIVIC AWARD FOR CANONBURY SOCIETY BRING US YOUR below the existing garden. there may be large church congregations. By James Coates and Philip Walker more young people than ever benefitting from the Rose Bowl Centre plays in the community,” said Jane The Canonbury Society was among nine organisations and Speaking at the ceremony, Islington's Mayor Cllr Anna CONSERVATION PROJECTS opportunities and support available, a decision to Simmonds, chair of The Rose Bowl Centre and The individuals honoured in the Mayor’s Civic Awards for 2010. Berent, said:"The Mayor's Civic Awards shines a spotlight temporarily close the Centre was taken in February Friends of the Rose Bowl. “Tensions run high on the New “Anything to do with Canonbury, they are there,” said Cllr. on those committed community-minded volunteers whose The Canonbury Society exists for its members, and to passion for improving life for those around them really following several break-ins and staffing issues. The River Green Estate. The Rose Bowl plays a pivotal role in Barbara Smith who nominated the Canonbury Society for conserve our local area. The Society currently has built captures the unique spirit of Islington.” homework clubs, break-dance classes, cooking lessons helping young people work towards meaningful goals to this year’s award. up a modest community fund which we would like to recycle back into local projects within the conservation and after-school meals, field trips and the achieve their potential. We look forward to continuing to FRIENDS OF THE NEW RIVER WALK Cllr. Smith paid tribute to the society’s beginnings in 1971 to The Canonbury Society was delighted to be recognised by area with a conservation theme. The subject will be newly-launched music studio supported by the support the excellent work of the Rose Bowl as soon as it save the Victorian villas known as The Alwynes from the Mayor’s Awards.”We hope that we will always be an discussed at this year’s AGM on 19 May(see page 6), community were put on hold while the Centre re-grouped can reopen.” CANONBURY GROVE SECTION DOG CONTROLS destruction. effective voice of reason in preserving the special character but if you have a project to be considered, please send following staffing matters and extensive damage Young people from the Rose Bowl Youth Centre enjoyed Crucial areas of waterfowl habitat were lost or Last summer also saw considerable damage caused of Canonbury,” Philip Walker, chairman of the Canonbury The Friends of the Rose Bowl is grateful for the “The fight was won and the Canonbury Society continues to Society, said. details (nature of project, location, conservation angle) acquired during the vandalism. sightseeing in London greatly diminished when shrubs and undergrowth by powerful dogs “ring-barking” numerous trees, community support that allows it to reinforce and expand preserve the special character of the conservation area by to the Hon Treasurer, Canonbury Society, 5 Alwyne were severely cut back in early March by private after being encouraged by owners to sharpen their A task force including representatives from the Rose the essential work of the Rose Bowl Centre. “We want to monitoring planning applications and being involved in Place, London, N1 2NL. DI contractors employed by the Council. Very low claws on them. Happily, a two week regime of Bowl Management Committee and Friends of the Rose assure everyone who lives locally that we are doing To keep up to date on progress at the Rose Bowl licensing applications, traffic schemes and environmental branches and vegetation over the water which used Bowl has been set up to ensure the centre opens just as everything possible to re-open a new and improved Centre, visit www.friendsoftherosebowl.org.uk and intensive, on-site monitoring and education by issues,” she told the audience assembled to recognise the efforts of those who make Islington a better place to live. soon as possible. It is led by Thanos Morphitis, Director centre. We need your support more than ever,” Jane http://www.rosebowlcentre.org. to provide cover and nest supports for moorhens specialist Parks Patrol Officers averted the need to of Strategy and Commissioning for Islington Children's Simmonds said. were removed. Areas hardest hit were the southern change the existing ‘Dogs on lead when asked’ “The wonderful thing about the Canonbury Society is that is New roles at SPAB Services. Islington Council has operational responsibility Rosemary Brown island and the Alwyne Road bank running south to notices to a stricter ‘Dog Free Zone’. has not fossilised – you always meet new people,” said Cllr. Canonbury Road. We are assured that in the future Smith. “Today the Society is thriving.” VOLUNTEERS contractors will have to adhere to the principles of The Canonbury Society will celebrate its 40th birthday in . . . and St Paul’s WRITE ON FOR THE ROSE BOWL: SKIPPING FOR HAITI Local Friends spent over 132 ‘person hours’ in 46 Gone, (now back) fishing the existing wildlife management plan. 2011. “I am delighted they will enter their 40th year as Canonbury Society committee members were honoured Combining living in Canonbury with passions which POSTCARDS DELIVER PROCEEDS Young people at The Rose Bowl Centre skipped into action sessions over the year, thinning out water plants holders of the Mayor’s Civic Award,” said Cllr. Smith. with the Mayor’s Civic Award. Photo credit: Charles Dean must surely echo with most Canonbury Society A series of vivid, quirky Islington postcards are on sale to to raise funds for children caught in Haiti’s earthquake. WILDLIFE which quickly block the water circulation if left HERON RETURNS, RATS DISAPPEAR Another good year for the moorhens, with two members, David Heath was at the turn of the year raise funds for The Rose Bowl Centre. The Skipathon supporting UNICEF's Haiti Earthquake unchecked. Workers included: Diane Brace and her After an unexplained absence of over seven months, breeding pairs producing lots of chicks in two batches. granddaughters; James Coates; William Greaves; elected new chairman of the Society for the Children's Appeal was held 25th January when young Protection of Ancient Buildings, Britain’s oldest The colourful images have been assembled by Canonbury the original June 1998 heron (or a close look-a-like) Most grew to adulthood and moved off eventually. George Mackintosh and his children – Islay, Iona WELCOME TO OUR NEW CONSERVATION OFFICER people skipped in a continuous relay for as long as heritage charity, founded in 1877. David was Chief Society committee member, Susan Millership, and returned to fish on 25 September, and has again Once again, the five or so ‘resident’ mallards failed to and Euan; Jack Lambert and Liz, Philip and Tom possible during the evening youth session. They raised an Kate Graham joined the London career in the conservation arena Conservation Architect for English Heritage until designer Robin Farrow. All the proceeds go to The Rose become a regular and welcome visitor. Brown rats in produce any surviving ducklings, possibly due to impressive £500. Skipping ropes were provided by the Walker. A new record was set on 22 August when Borough of Islington in and has a particular interest in the 2007. At SPAB, he will oversee the completion and Bowl Centre, via the Friends of the Rose Bowl. Canonbury Safer Neighbourhood Team. and along the river became so prevalent that last numerous local predators. Compared to moorhens, nine volunteers got to work in the presence of seven November 2009 as Conservation role that local communities play in launch of the society’s new Strategic Plan, as well as June, professional pest controllers were brought in the mallards are somewhat laid back parents. newly hatched moorhen chicks. and Design Manager. Among her the protection of the historic emphasising the day-to-day importance of conserva- Jane Simmonds, chairwoman of the Friends of the Rose GALA AUCTION SUCCESS! and the rats disappeared within a day or two (not to responsibilities will be a review environment. HISTORIC RAILINGS RESTORATION tive repair. Bowl, said: "The postcards have not only helped to raise Write way to raise funds: Sales of postcards of Canonbury Once again the Canonbury community pulled out all the stops to return, but do let us know if you see any). Saturday morning volunteer sessions run from April of existing conservation areas the profile of the Rose Bowl Centre, but they've also support the work of the Rose Bowl Youth Centre. Photo raise an amazing £20,000 during the Friends of the Rose Bowl The railings condition survey, funded jointly by The to October, weather permitting. and the preparation of character Kate has a degree in Building Gavin Ralston, who with wife Nicola has generously brought in valuable extra funds." credit: Tony Mines auction in February. Held at The Canonbury, the auction attracted CARP POPULATION Friends and the Council’s Canonbury Area Budget appraisals for each. Conservation from London’s Ring Jack Lambert on 0207 359 8315 for details. over 150 guests who bid on items ranging from weekends in Last summer saw an enormous increase in medium- Grant, has been completed. Temporary stabilising Architectural Association, in hosted both summer and Christmas parties for the country cottages to teeth whitening and gourmet meals. Society at Canonbury House, has been appointed a Mary Wiggin, managing director of Coexistence, on Upper The cards are available via the Friends of the Rose Bowl sized fish (6 to 9 inches long) which are clearly the supports have been installed at a number of panels Prior to her new role, Kate spent addition to her MA in Ancient History Lay Canon at St Paul’s Cathedral. Gavin, who also Street, Islington, which is sponsoring some of the printing website at www.friendsoftherosebowl.org and at Monte’s A special thanks goes to the community for its continuing support offspring of the six original 12-15 inch mirror carp rendered potentially unsafe by growing tree roots. four years in English Heritage’s London Region and MA in Architectural History. serves as a churchwarden of St Lawrence Jewry in said: “We are proud to support a local charity that is so Delicatessen, 23 Canonbury Lane. A pack of seven cards along with all those who donated such a wonderful range of prizes, introduced to the restored ‘river’ in June 1998 when This gives us time to explore sources of funding for By Jack Lambert as a Senior Historic Buildings Adviser the City of London, was formally appointed at an dynamic in working to improve young people's prospects." costs £4. the auctioneers and the team who organised and ran the event. Princess Alexandra re-opened the gardens. restoration which could cost up to £250,000. Chairman, Friends of the New River Walk specialising in the care and repair of the Kate is the guest speaker at The Canonbury historic environment. She has enjoyed a varied Society AGM on 19th May (see page 6). “installation Evensong” on 8 March 2010. PAGE 2 www.canonburysociety.org.uk The Canonbury Society - CONSERVING CANONBURY PAGE 3 www.canonburysociety.org.uk The Canonbury Society - CONSERVING CANONBURY PAGE 4 www.canonburysociety.org.uk The Canonbury Society - CONSERVING CANONBURY

PRINTED ON RECYCLED PAPER PRINTED ON RECYCLED PAPER PRINTED ON RECYCLED PAPER WHAT WE CAMPAIGN ABOUT AND WHY GOLDEN MOMENTS OF SHAKESPEARE: 2010 SUMMER GARDEN PARTY The Canonbury Society More to our life than planning Shall I compare thee to a summer’s day? In celebration of summer, Shak-speare, and thenew To salute summer Thou art more lovely and more temperate. home of the Tower Theatre (see page 4), the and the Tower CONSERVING CANONBURY The phrase “Canonbury Conservation Area” at opposing incongruous redevelopment or issues being tackled within the borough, but also Rough winds do shake the darling buds of May, Canonbury Society’s annual Summer Garden Party Theatre’s new And summer’s lease hath all too short a date: will pay tribute to the Bard on 27 June from 1 to 4 p.m. home above the first glance might smack far more of things building alterations and promoting changes to join forces when necessary. NEWSLETTER 10 SPRING ancient than modern, but in fact, the Conserva- which might enhance Canonbury”. A good example of this cooperation was our Sometime too hot the eye of heaven shines, With the glittering assistance of the Tower Theatre ruins of London’s first And often is his GOLD* complexion dimm’d; troupe, our theme for 2010 is ‘golden moments of purpose-built playhouse where Shakespeare tion Area is surprisingly non- homogenous. The united front at the March planning committee And every fair from fair some time declines, Shakespeare.’ debuted his best-loved plays, the Canonbury Society architecture within it is by no means just This does mean much time monitoring planning, hearing on 85 Canonbury Road. Here the By chance, or nature’s changing course, untrimm’d; Members of the troupe festooned in gold will provide invites guests to don their golden finery. Georgian and Victorian, but actually spans eight tree and licensing applications, but this is far Society also represented The lslington Society, But thy eternal summer shall not fade... light entertainment as they join us in the grounds of centuries, from the original Canonbury House from being our only activity. The society also The Islington Archaeology & History Society, 40, Alwyne Road to share golden passages from Whatever weather the English summer brings, we (dating back to c.1370) to new developments in participates in many initiatives. Sometimes we The Upper Street -- Shakespeare’s Sonnet 18 Shakespeare’s sonnets and plays. Thanks to host intend to make Shakespearian merry. Members will WHO OWNS the very late 20th century (e.g. Irving Mews). lead with our own, such as “Save Our Shops”, Association, The Highbury Fields Association George Mackintosh. receive party details this summer. After centuries of being in private hands – the our 2009 campaign, and sometimes we support and The Estorick Collection. I suspect *Guests are invited to wear gold Northampton Estate – the Conservation Area’s others such as saving the Essex Road Post there will be more liaison in the future. biggest landowner by a distance is now Islington Office, Islington Council’s “I Shop Local”, the LOCAL GARDENS OPEN FOR CHARITY CANONBURY SOCIETY CANONBURY? Council, with 540 council-owned properties. Rose Bowl Youth Club, Friends of New River Do let us know if you think the Society should be By David Ireland Walk, and Safer Neighbourhoods. More involved in other initiatives or UNDER THE NATIONAL GARDENS SCHEME 2010 COMMITTEE MEMBERS Amid this diverse mix of architecture and recently, we attended a meeting of most of the campaigns. We are here to help! “Canonbury? Surely that’s not a place where people live?” The early history is well enough documented. The population, the Society’s principal aim is “to resident and conservation groups in Islington in 2010 Thus, Virginia Bell, grand-daughter of Vanessa and manor of Canonbury, a triangle bounded on the West by Evelyn Waugh: Half a conserve the special character of Canonbury by an effort not only to understand some of the Philip Walker, Chairman Sunday, 25 April Sunday, 20 June great-niece of Virginia Woolf, recalling the “pioneering” Upper Street, on the East by Lower Street (Essex Road) house in a slum move by her mother’s family into Canonbury in the 1930s. and on the North by Hopping Lane (St Paul’s Road) was Philip Walker - Chairman granted to the priory of St Bartholemew’s, Smithfield, in Malvern Terrace Gardens, Barnsbury Islington Gardens Canonbury has certainly had its ups and downs, 2 - 5:30 teas, music, plant sales 2 - 6 Liz Watson - Treasurer 1253 by Ralph de Berners. After the dissolution of the NEW CHALLENGES FOR LUCY WATT providing elegant homes in the 1840s and 1850s for the monasteries in 1536, it passed through the hands of Barnsbury Wood Rosemary Brown - Secretary, newsletter and wealthy, but by 1900, according to writer Paula Davies, Henry VIII, Thomas Cromwell, Anne of Cleves, the Earl Lucy Watt, Liberal Democrat Member for Canonbury Canonbury Society chairman Philip Walker paid tribute (off Crescent St, N of Thornhill Square) events colonised by a new generation of (heaven forbid!) “clerks, of Warwick, Edward VI, Thomas Wentworth and then, in SMALL Ward, and member and friend of the Canonbury Society to Lucy. “We have enjoyed working with Lucy. She’s Sunday, 6 June 1 Battlebridge Court, Wharfdale Road Sharon White - Membership Secretary jewellers, bricklayers and washerwomen”, and “during 1570, John Spencer, Lord Mayor of London. will not stand in the Islington Council elections in May. been a true friend of the Canonbury Society. We wish the depression between the wars, at its lowest ebb”. Vanessa Bell: Pioneering 44 Hemingford Road Jack Lambert - Planning, Chairman of Spencer’s daughter Eliza married Lord Compton in BUT NOT BEAUTIFUL A councillor since 2002, Lucy says now is the time to her well in future endeavours.” Evelyn Waugh semi-seriously described 17a Canonbury 37 Alwyne Road, Canonbury 36 Thornhill Square Friends of the New River Walk Square, briefly his home from 1928, as “half a house in a 1599, to whom the manor passed on her father’s death Disgusted of Canonbury writes... move on to a new challenge. in 1609. Lord Compton, later Earl of Northampton, 2 - 6 teas, raffle, plant sales 5 Northampton Park James Coates - Planning slum”. Come the late 1950s, though, spurred on by the “Whilst I've really loved the role over the last eight 1 - 5:30 new estate owners’ aim of “transforming Canonbury into began the Northampton family ownership of Canonbury Why oh why do we need the plague of new years, and will miss it immensely, I've decided that this David Ireland - Newsletter and events another Chelsea”, gentrification – or “Canonburyisation”, which ran on uninterrupted until first, 1938 (a postponed scheme by Islington Borough Council to build 564 20mph signs? While only 12 inches across, is the right thing to do,” she said. “Being a councillor in Susan Millership as then Times journalist Stuart Weir put it, and not as a Canonbury, and becoming deputy leader of the council, Sunday, 13 June homes in South-East Canonbury on part of the estate’s they are yet another piece of disfiguring compliment – saw the area trading up again (such that has been a huge privilege,” she said. Sunday, 18 July Jane Simmonds objectors to the creation of the first Marquess Estate in land) and then, 1954, when the Northampton Estate sold street signage. The new 20mph limit on non- De Beauvoir Gardens the majority of the old manor to two property companies, “I would really like to thank all of you who have been Marcella Menzies the late 1960s were described as “the snobs living in major roads in Islington has been heavily Western Ground Rents (jointly controlled by insurers supportive of my work in the ward. Without you all, we 2 - 6 teas 29 Canonbury Park North Canonbury”). promoted in the local press, average speed 158 Culford Road 12 - 4 Iain Carson Clerical Medical and Equity & Law) and Oriel Property would not have achieved so much in Canonbury.” Who owns (and owned) Canonbury, though? It’s not Trust. cameras are promised/threatened – isn’t that Goodbye and many thanks to Jacquie Lucy promises to remain involved with the local 114 de Beauvoir Road straightforward finding out – doing numerous Land enough? DI 52 Northchurch Road For further information consult The National Glomski, our former Membership Secretary. Registry searches is expensive, local streets and The Observer commented in 1965 that the Northampton community. Lucy Watt with Canonbury Society chairman Philip Walker Continuing thanks to Gill Hopkins 21 Northchurch Terrace Garden Scheme “Yellow Book” or squares were built piecemeal and could change their Estate retained “about 250 tenants and leases property (webmaster) and Beate Hohmann of Galaxe for £300 to £1000 a year, and more”. Today (we think), www.ngs.org.uk names, and ownership sleuths can’t always agree (the of Stars (website host). UK-wide land-based wealth of our richest landowner, the the Estate’s residual Canonbury ownership is SUPPORT OUR 7th Marquess of Northampton, was put at £200m by concentrated in and around Canonbury Place (including Kevin Cahill in Who Owns Britain in 2001, but at £65m in Canonbury Tower – now home to the Canonbury Canonbury Square – but not as we know it (in 1958); PRIORITIES the 2009 Sunday Times Rich List). CONTINUED ON PAGE 2 LOCAL SHOPS: The Photo credit: Islington Local History Centre Canonbury FOR SAFER NEIGHBOURHOODS SO FAR SO GOOD OUR 2010 AGM Message from the Chairman area. We are delighted to welcome Kate Graham the new WHAT’S INSIDE... Society JOIN UP! Conservation and Design Manager at Islington (see page 4). Fellow Canonbury Society Committee member “Support Our Local Shops” was the front page With much talk of Britain’s “broken society”, it was We are also grateful to our three supportive Ward Whether you want to meet new people, grill a Rose Bowl Centre's vital role Jane Simmonds and I sit on the Canonbury Safer “Current priorities are youth headline on last year’s newsletter, a plea at a time BENEFITS: Receive this Newsletter FREE. Attend special events such as heartening to hear at the Mayor’s Civic Awards ceremony Councillors and are sorry that Cllr Lucy Watt, who played a Counsellor, or share a glass of wine after the about the many selfless individuals running clubs (boxing, big part in many of our campaigns, is stepping down. (see Page 2 Neighbourhood Panel which meets regularly with engagement and burglary” when one-in-five London shops were predicted to fail garden parties and the AGM. Help support conservation in Canonbury. The proceedings, the Canonbury Society invites minimum subscription is £1.00, but further donations are always welcome. youth) and associations (tenant, learning disabilities) which page 5). the police team to discuss priorities and the latest by Christmas. One year on, shops around the country you to our Annual General Meeting on so enrich our community. Planning Please tick as appropriate, complete your name/address details, and make your crime situation. The Panel’s website: are indeed suffering, if not quite as much as feared – Wednesday 19th May at 7.30 p.m. (doors For more information about our campaigns and our work, do Friends of the New River Walk the national retail vacancy rate is now 12%. cheques payable to ‘The Canonbury Society’. Page 3 www.met.police.uk/teams/islington/canonbury/index.php I/We wish to pay open at 7 p.m.) at St. Stephen’s Church. Although The Canonbury Society was delighted to pick up visit our website at www.canonburysociety.org.uk. Current priorities are youth engagement and will be re-launched with a survey of residents and my/our annual an award (see page 4), and our thanks go to Cllr Barbara The picture in Canonbury is much more encouraging. NAME Smith for our nomination, we are conscious that our remit of Once again we enjoyed two Tower Theatre closer to being back burglary. We considered removing burglary from businesses to get their views on crime and subscription for New Conservation and Design Manager at on Shakespeare’s first stage Of the 30+ local shops surveyed 12 months ago, only preserving the outstanding beauty of Canonbury could good parties. Our summer ADDRESS 2010 Civic Award for Canonbury Society the list because the number had fallen over the priorities. We will let you know when it’s ready. one – Threshers (part of a national chain collapse) – Islington Council Kate Graham (see page 4) is appear largely motivated by self-interest. However, we party was held at 5 Canonbury always try to present balanced arguments whenever we Place and our winter party was Page 4 past two years, but they were up by 90% in Copies will also be available in hard copy. Survey has gone under. I/We wish to join our guest speaker. object or support initiatives, and we are proud of our efforts held at Myddelton Cottage in February. Youth engagement includes tackling results will be discussed at the next public meeting the Society A Campaigning Manifesto TEL as new to support Canonbury organisations and shops, and to Canonbury Park South. Our vandalism on the New River Green Estate and in at 7.30 p.m.on Tuesday 15 June at the Walter Islington Council is trying to raise awareness of local At the AGM, we’ll be seeking your views on preserve the landscape, for the benefit of all. heart-felt thanks go to our Local Shops Resilient Essex Road and supporting the Rose Bowl Youth Sickert Community Centre. Everyone is welcome. members forthcoming campaigns and inviting you to Page 5 shops by asking people to pledge to buy 50% of their EMAIL wonderful hosts, respectively nominate conservation projects for small Club, particularly through police training in boxing. James Coates weekly shopping locally. Sign the pledge I/We enclose Over the last year, we have reviewed many planning and Margaret and Stuart Evans (www.islington.gov.uk/shopping) and receive an “I grants.Committee members will report back tree applications as well as new policy documents issued by and Nina Konrad and Jerry AGM May 19 Summer Garden Party 27 June Shop Local” cotton shopping bag (200 already £ on parking, planning, finance, trees and Islington Council and the Mayor of London. As always, we Norton. are keen to work positively with all Council departments who Page 6 handed out, as we went to press). We encourage you PLEASE SEND TO: The Hon Treasurer, 5 Alwyne Place, London N1 2NL events. www.met.police.uk/teams/islington/canonbury/index.php directly affect the current and future life of our conservation Philip Walker to continue to shop locally. DI

PAGE 5 www.canonburysociety.org.uk The Canonbury Society - PAGE 6 www.canonburysociety.org.uk The Canonbury Society - CONSERVING CANONBURY PAGE 1 www.canonburysociety.org.uk The Canonbury Society - CONSERVING CANONBURY

PRINTED ON RECYCLED PAPER PRINTED ON RECYCLED PAPER PRINTED ON RECYCLED PAPER WHAT WE CAMPAIGN ABOUT AND WHY GOLDEN MOMENTS OF SHAKESPEARE: 2010 SUMMER GARDEN PARTY The Canonbury Society More to our life than planning Shall I compare thee to a summer’s day? In celebration of summer, Shak-speare, and thenew To salute summer Thou art more lovely and more temperate. home of the Tower Theatre (see page 4), the and the Tower CONSERVING CANONBURY The phrase “Canonbury Conservation Area” at opposing incongruous redevelopment or issues being tackled within the borough, but also Rough winds do shake the darling buds of May, Canonbury Society’s annual Summer Garden Party Theatre’s new And summer’s lease hath all too short a date: will pay tribute to the Bard on 27 June from 1 to 4 p.m. home above the first glance might smack far more of things building alterations and promoting changes to join forces when necessary. NEWSLETTER 10 SPRING ancient than modern, but in fact, the Conserva- which might enhance Canonbury”. A good example of this cooperation was our Sometime too hot the eye of heaven shines, With the glittering assistance of the Tower Theatre ruins of London’s first And often is his GOLD* complexion dimm’d; troupe, our theme for 2010 is ‘golden moments of purpose-built playhouse where Shakespeare tion Area is surprisingly non- homogenous. The united front at the March planning committee And every fair from fair some time declines, Shakespeare.’ debuted his best-loved plays, the Canonbury Society architecture within it is by no means just This does mean much time monitoring planning, hearing on 85 Canonbury Road. Here the By chance, or nature’s changing course, untrimm’d; Members of the troupe festooned in gold will provide invites guests to don their golden finery. Georgian and Victorian, but actually spans eight tree and licensing applications, but this is far Society also represented The lslington Society, But thy eternal summer shall not fade... light entertainment as they join us in the grounds of centuries, from the original Canonbury House from being our only activity. The society also The Islington Archaeology & History Society, 40, Alwyne Road to share golden passages from Whatever weather the English summer brings, we (dating back to c.1370) to new developments in participates in many initiatives. Sometimes we The Upper Street -- Shakespeare’s Sonnet 18 Shakespeare’s sonnets and plays. Thanks to host intend to make Shakespearian merry. Members will WHO OWNS the very late 20th century (e.g. Irving Mews). lead with our own, such as “Save Our Shops”, Association, The Highbury Fields Association George Mackintosh. receive party details this summer. After centuries of being in private hands – the our 2009 campaign, and sometimes we support and The Estorick Collection. I suspect *Guests are invited to wear gold Northampton Estate – the Conservation Area’s others such as saving the Essex Road Post there will be more liaison in the future. biggest landowner by a distance is now Islington Office, Islington Council’s “I Shop Local”, the LOCAL GARDENS OPEN FOR CHARITY CANONBURY SOCIETY CANONBURY? Council, with 540 council-owned properties. Rose Bowl Youth Club, Friends of New River Do let us know if you think the Society should be By David Ireland Walk, and Safer Neighbourhoods. More involved in other initiatives or UNDER THE NATIONAL GARDENS SCHEME 2010 COMMITTEE MEMBERS Amid this diverse mix of architecture and recently, we attended a meeting of most of the campaigns. We are here to help! “Canonbury? Surely that’s not a place where people live?” The early history is well enough documented. The population, the Society’s principal aim is “to resident and conservation groups in Islington in 2010 Thus, Virginia Bell, grand-daughter of Vanessa and manor of Canonbury, a triangle bounded on the West by Evelyn Waugh: Half a conserve the special character of Canonbury by an effort not only to understand some of the Philip Walker, Chairman Sunday, 25 April Sunday, 20 June great-niece of Virginia Woolf, recalling the “pioneering” Upper Street, on the East by Lower Street (Essex Road) house in a slum move by her mother’s family into Canonbury in the 1930s. and on the North by Hopping Lane (St Paul’s Road) was Philip Walker - Chairman granted to the priory of St Bartholemew’s, Smithfield, in Malvern Terrace Gardens, Barnsbury Islington Gardens Canonbury has certainly had its ups and downs, 2 - 5:30 teas, music, plant sales 2 - 6 Liz Watson - Treasurer 1253 by Ralph de Berners. After the dissolution of the NEW CHALLENGES FOR LUCY WATT providing elegant homes in the 1840s and 1850s for the monasteries in 1536, it passed through the hands of Barnsbury Wood Rosemary Brown - Secretary, newsletter and wealthy, but by 1900, according to writer Paula Davies, Henry VIII, Thomas Cromwell, Anne of Cleves, the Earl Lucy Watt, Liberal Democrat Member for Canonbury Canonbury Society chairman Philip Walker paid tribute (off Crescent St, N of Thornhill Square) events colonised by a new generation of (heaven forbid!) “clerks, of Warwick, Edward VI, Thomas Wentworth and then, in SMALL Ward, and member and friend of the Canonbury Society to Lucy. “We have enjoyed working with Lucy. She’s Sunday, 6 June 1 Battlebridge Court, Wharfdale Road Sharon White - Membership Secretary jewellers, bricklayers and washerwomen”, and “during 1570, John Spencer, Lord Mayor of London. will not stand in the Islington Council elections in May. been a true friend of the Canonbury Society. We wish the depression between the wars, at its lowest ebb”. Vanessa Bell: Pioneering 44 Hemingford Road Jack Lambert - Planning, Chairman of Spencer’s daughter Eliza married Lord Compton in BUT NOT BEAUTIFUL A councillor since 2002, Lucy says now is the time to her well in future endeavours.” Evelyn Waugh semi-seriously described 17a Canonbury 37 Alwyne Road, Canonbury 36 Thornhill Square Friends of the New River Walk Square, briefly his home from 1928, as “half a house in a 1599, to whom the manor passed on her father’s death Disgusted of Canonbury writes... move on to a new challenge. in 1609. Lord Compton, later Earl of Northampton, 2 - 6 teas, raffle, plant sales 5 Northampton Park James Coates - Planning slum”. Come the late 1950s, though, spurred on by the “Whilst I've really loved the role over the last eight 1 - 5:30 new estate owners’ aim of “transforming Canonbury into began the Northampton family ownership of Canonbury Why oh why do we need the plague of new years, and will miss it immensely, I've decided that this David Ireland - Newsletter and events another Chelsea”, gentrification – or “Canonburyisation”, which ran on uninterrupted until first, 1938 (a postponed scheme by Islington Borough Council to build 564 20mph signs? While only 12 inches across, is the right thing to do,” she said. “Being a councillor in Susan Millership as then Times journalist Stuart Weir put it, and not as a Canonbury, and becoming deputy leader of the council, Sunday, 13 June homes in South-East Canonbury on part of the estate’s they are yet another piece of disfiguring compliment – saw the area trading up again (such that has been a huge privilege,” she said. Sunday, 18 July Jane Simmonds objectors to the creation of the first Marquess Estate in land) and then, 1954, when the Northampton Estate sold street signage. The new 20mph limit on non- De Beauvoir Gardens the majority of the old manor to two property companies, “I would really like to thank all of you who have been Marcella Menzies the late 1960s were described as “the snobs living in major roads in Islington has been heavily Western Ground Rents (jointly controlled by insurers supportive of my work in the ward. Without you all, we 2 - 6 teas 29 Canonbury Park North Canonbury”). promoted in the local press, average speed 158 Culford Road 12 - 4 Iain Carson Clerical Medical and Equity & Law) and Oriel Property would not have achieved so much in Canonbury.” Who owns (and owned) Canonbury, though? It’s not Trust. cameras are promised/threatened – isn’t that Goodbye and many thanks to Jacquie Lucy promises to remain involved with the local 114 de Beauvoir Road straightforward finding out – doing numerous Land enough? DI 52 Northchurch Road For further information consult The National Glomski, our former Membership Secretary. Registry searches is expensive, local streets and The Observer commented in 1965 that the Northampton community. Lucy Watt with Canonbury Society chairman Philip Walker Continuing thanks to Gill Hopkins 21 Northchurch Terrace Garden Scheme “Yellow Book” or squares were built piecemeal and could change their Estate retained “about 250 tenants and leases property (webmaster) and Beate Hohmann of Galaxe for £300 to £1000 a year, and more”. Today (we think), www.ngs.org.uk names, and ownership sleuths can’t always agree (the of Stars (website host). UK-wide land-based wealth of our richest landowner, the the Estate’s residual Canonbury ownership is SUPPORT OUR 7th Marquess of Northampton, was put at £200m by concentrated in and around Canonbury Place (including Kevin Cahill in Who Owns Britain in 2001, but at £65m in Canonbury Tower – now home to the Canonbury Canonbury Square – but not as we know it (in 1958); PRIORITIES the 2009 Sunday Times Rich List). CONTINUED ON PAGE 2 LOCAL SHOPS: The Photo credit: Islington Local History Centre Canonbury FOR SAFER NEIGHBOURHOODS SO FAR SO GOOD OUR 2010 AGM Message from the Chairman area. We are delighted to welcome Kate Graham the new WHAT’S INSIDE... Society JOIN UP! Conservation and Design Manager at Islington (see page 4). Fellow Canonbury Society Committee member “Support Our Local Shops” was the front page With much talk of Britain’s “broken society”, it was We are also grateful to our three supportive Ward Whether you want to meet new people, grill a Rose Bowl Centre's vital role Jane Simmonds and I sit on the Canonbury Safer “Current priorities are youth headline on last year’s newsletter, a plea at a time BENEFITS: Receive this Newsletter FREE. Attend special events such as heartening to hear at the Mayor’s Civic Awards ceremony Councillors and are sorry that Cllr Lucy Watt, who played a Counsellor, or share a glass of wine after the about the many selfless individuals running clubs (boxing, big part in many of our campaigns, is stepping down. (see Page 2 Neighbourhood Panel which meets regularly with engagement and burglary” when one-in-five London shops were predicted to fail garden parties and the AGM. Help support conservation in Canonbury. The proceedings, the Canonbury Society invites minimum subscription is £1.00, but further donations are always welcome. youth) and associations (tenant, learning disabilities) which page 5). the police team to discuss priorities and the latest by Christmas. One year on, shops around the country you to our Annual General Meeting on so enrich our community. Planning Please tick as appropriate, complete your name/address details, and make your crime situation. The Panel’s website: are indeed suffering, if not quite as much as feared – Wednesday 19th May at 7.30 p.m. (doors For more information about our campaigns and our work, do Friends of the New River Walk the national retail vacancy rate is now 12%. cheques payable to ‘The Canonbury Society’. Page 3 www.met.police.uk/teams/islington/canonbury/index.php I/We wish to pay open at 7 p.m.) at St. Stephen’s Church. Although The Canonbury Society was delighted to pick up visit our website at www.canonburysociety.org.uk. Current priorities are youth engagement and will be re-launched with a survey of residents and my/our annual an award (see page 4), and our thanks go to Cllr Barbara The picture in Canonbury is much more encouraging. NAME Smith for our nomination, we are conscious that our remit of Once again we enjoyed two Tower Theatre closer to being back burglary. We considered removing burglary from businesses to get their views on crime and subscription for New Conservation and Design Manager at on Shakespeare’s first stage Of the 30+ local shops surveyed 12 months ago, only preserving the outstanding beauty of Canonbury could good parties. Our summer ADDRESS 2010 Civic Award for Canonbury Society the list because the number had fallen over the priorities. We will let you know when it’s ready. one – Threshers (part of a national chain collapse) – Islington Council Kate Graham (see page 4) is appear largely motivated by self-interest. However, we party was held at 5 Canonbury always try to present balanced arguments whenever we Place and our winter party was Page 4 past two years, but they were up by 90% in Copies will also be available in hard copy. Survey has gone under. I/We wish to join our guest speaker. object or support initiatives, and we are proud of our efforts held at Myddelton Cottage in February. Youth engagement includes tackling results will be discussed at the next public meeting the Society A Campaigning Manifesto TEL as new to support Canonbury organisations and shops, and to Canonbury Park South. Our vandalism on the New River Green Estate and in at 7.30 p.m.on Tuesday 15 June at the Walter Islington Council is trying to raise awareness of local At the AGM, we’ll be seeking your views on preserve the landscape, for the benefit of all. heart-felt thanks go to our Local Shops Resilient Essex Road and supporting the Rose Bowl Youth Sickert Community Centre. Everyone is welcome. members forthcoming campaigns and inviting you to Page 5 shops by asking people to pledge to buy 50% of their EMAIL wonderful hosts, respectively nominate conservation projects for small Club, particularly through police training in boxing. James Coates weekly shopping locally. Sign the pledge I/We enclose Over the last year, we have reviewed many planning and Margaret and Stuart Evans (www.islington.gov.uk/shopping) and receive an “I grants.Committee members will report back tree applications as well as new policy documents issued by and Nina Konrad and Jerry AGM May 19 Summer Garden Party 27 June Shop Local” cotton shopping bag (200 already £ on parking, planning, finance, trees and Islington Council and the Mayor of London. As always, we Norton. are keen to work positively with all Council departments who Page 6 handed out, as we went to press). We encourage you PLEASE SEND TO: The Hon Treasurer, 5 Alwyne Place, London N1 2NL events. www.met.police.uk/teams/islington/canonbury/index.php directly affect the current and future life of our conservation Philip Walker to continue to shop locally. DI

PAGE 5 www.canonburysociety.org.uk The Canonbury Society - PAGE 6 www.canonburysociety.org.uk The Canonbury Society - CONSERVING CANONBURY PAGE 1 www.canonburysociety.org.uk The Canonbury Society - CONSERVING CANONBURY

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