Journal of the Islington Archaeology & History Society

Journal of the Islington Archaeology & History Society Vol 3 No 1 Spring 2013 incorporating Islington History Journal Modernism for sociable living

How social and municipal ambitions were combined in style at Brecknock Road Estate

The vestry hall – a tale of corruption, nepotism and Victorian local government l Amazing medieval fakes in 19th century l Steam-powered celebration for London Underground l Historical research for Victorian crime fiction l Canal museum comes of age l Your local history questions answered l Books and reviews l News and events About the society

What we do Memories, reviews, old photographs, Islington Archaeology & ideas sought… contribute to this journal History Society committee he society arranges President events including We welcome articles on local researcher Michael Reading Rt Hon Lord Smith  Tlectures, walks, book history, memories and – and maybe other readers of Finsbury launches and outings about research. – to answer. Please note that the archaeology and history One page takes about 500 we do not carry out family Vice president of Islington. words, and maximum article research. Mary Cosh We liaise with the council length is 1,000 words. We l See Letters, page 6 and others in matters of like receiving pictures, but Chairman planning and development please check that we can Copyright Andrew Gardner to record and protect reproduce them without Copyright of everything in [email protected] Islington’s sites that are of infringing anyone’s copyright. this journal lies with the archaeological and historical The journal is publised in creator unless otherwise Secretary importance. print and online in pdf form. stated. While it can be Peter Fuller We also aim to document Deadline for the summer difficult to trace copyright [email protected] archaeological findings in issue is 1 May. ownership of archive the borough. materials, we make every Membership and events Local historical and Ever wondered…? effort to do so. Catherine Brighty literary walks can be Do you have any queries 8 Wynyatt Street arranged for groups. about Islington’s history, Any questions? London EC1V 7HU streets or buildings? Send Contact editor Christy 020 7833 1541 Why archaeology? them in for our tireless Lawrance (details right). Archaeology is not just Treasurer about what is buried; it Philip Anderson includes structures and Journal back issues and extra copies phlpandrsn6@ fragments that still exist,  btopenworld.com and people who have lived, Journal distribution is worked and died in them. overseen by Catherine Committee members We are here to investigate, Brighty (details right). Kathleen Frenchman learn about and celebrate Contact her if you Michael Harper what is left to us. would like more copies  Derek Seeley or back issues, if you Our website move house and for Academic adviser Go to www.iahs.org.uk to enquiries about Lester Hillman, former find out more. membership. visiting professor, London Metropolitan Business (photocopies acceptable) $ School, London Join the Islington Archaeology & History Society Metropolitan University

Membership per year is: £10 single; £12 joint at same address; concessions £6; joint Journal editor concessions £8; corporate £15. (Membership renewals are sent out when due.) Christy Lawrance [email protected] Name(s) ...... c/o 6 Northview Tufnell Park Road Address ...... London N7 0QB

...... The Journal of the Islington Tel no/email (if we need to contact you) ...... Archaeology & History Society is published four times a year I/We would like single/joint/concession/joint concession/corporate membership, and enclose a cheque payable to “Islington Archaeology & History Society” for ...... ISSN 2046-8245

Please return this form (photocopies acceptable) to: Catherine Brighty, Islington Printed by PrintSet, Archaeology & History Society, 8 Wynyatt Street, London EC1V 7HU 15 Palmer Place, London,  N7 8DH, www.printset.co.uk

2 Journal of the Islington Archaeology & History Society Spring 2013 Vol 3 No 1 Journal of the Islington Archaeology & History Society

Incorporating Islington History Journal Vol 3 No 1 Spring 2013

A green legacy that still lifts the spirits t is a highlight of our calendar when our president Chris Smith Iaddresses one of our meetings. It Contents was especially so this year when he spoke of his late friend and our former chairman, Peter Powell (news, page 5). News 4 Five years ago – to the day, as I write Chris Smith describes fond memories and green issues at Peter Powell event – Peter died suddenly and unexpectedly Family research reunites old friends in the night. It was daunting to be Medieval moat opened in Barnsbury asked to follow in his footsteps. Vote in the Islington people’s plaque poll My relationship with Peter resembled that of a nephew and a favourite uncle Letters and your questions 6 and, on many occasions, I acted as his Jones Bros shopping tokens, the lost industry of cork cutting and monsters understudy. He would be delighted on City Road that the IAHS lecture programme and Journal are as strong as ever, and that Amazing fakes 9 so many of you attend and subscribe. Two forgers produced thousands of medieval antiquities in 19th century London. Green issues were very close to Philip Mernick describes their extraordinary industry Peter’s heart. In Islington, we have less green space than any other London Steam powered celebration 10 borough and Peter worked tirelessly to Heritage trains return to work for the London Underground’s 150th anniversary keep environmental concerns in the public consciousness. He took great Canal museum comes of age 12 pleasure in telling stories, discussing Lester Hillman reports on a thriving waterside attraction predicaments and reiterating his hopes for conservation and development. Building the vestry hall 14 But first and foremost he loved A decision to build a vestry hall was engulfed by claims of nepotism and people – in his talk, Chris described corruption. Alan Pattison tells a tale of Victorian local government Peter’s devotion to Islington’s community. Closer to home, rarely did Modernism for sociable living 16 an evening’s conversation go by An ambitious interwar housing project combined municipal and social without Peter mentioning “my ambitions in style. Ian Hunt explores Brecknock Road Estate’s architecture beautiful wife, Judith”, or “my daughters, who make me so proud to Turning history into mystery 18 be their father”. Joan Lock describes her historical research for a Victorian crime novel Recently, I wrote about the copious amount of greenery that can be seen Publications, bookshop and book reviews 20 from the top of Canonbury Tower, a Books and maps for sale manifestation of the environmental campaigns Peter led in the 1980s. We Events  24 can all enjoy and be grateful for his Talks, walks and exhibitions enduring – and delightful – legacy. Directory of societies and museums 28 Andrew Gardner Civic, local history and archaeology societies, museums and online resources Chairman

Cover: Russell Jones; thumbnails (l-r): Derek Seeley; Philip Mernick; RIBA; Wikimedia Commons Wikimedia RIBA; thumbnails (l-r): Derek Seeley; Philip Mernick; Russell Jones; Cover: Islington Archaeology & History Society Islington Archaeology & History Society events 31

Journal of the Islington Archaeology & History Society Spring 2013 Vol 3 No 1 3 news In brief Family research reunites old friends

Plaque for justice Two old Islington friends information from campaigner unveiled have been reunited after 70 ancestry.com and its Living years, after a daughter of Relative site to see if she A green plaque to one of them decided to could find out if Ronnie commemorate social justice research her family. were still alive. campaigner Jack Kennedy Norman Dover and She wrote: “Not only did I has been unveiled at his Ronnie Newton were close find a Ronald Newton who home in Drayton Park. The friends as children and seemed to fit the bill, but he former Islington council teenagers, and served lived with his wife, Gladys, bricklayer, who died 10 years together in the Home Guard Back together: Norman Dover only around half an hour’s ago, was a key figure in the between 1942 and 1944. (left) and Ronnie Newton drive from dad. I wrote to successful campaigns to free They lost contact after a him and, amazingly, it was the Birmingham Six and bomb hit their homes. room, accompanied by the indeed dad’s pal. Guildford Four, wrongly Norman Dover’s daughter screeching of an engine “A meeting was arranged convicted of pub bombings Linda Milliken wrote: cutting out. and it was wonderfully in the 1970s. In the 1980s, “Sadly, they never saw each “After ensuring his moving to see them reliving he campaigned for safety on other again after the flying parents were safely in happy memories of their building sites, and was a bomb demolished their hospital, he stood guard childhood in Islington and founding member of the homes in Queensbury Street over the remains of his catching up with their Construction Safety in June 1944. In fact, dad house to prevent looting. journey through life since Campaign, which worked to was sleeping on his bed, still “Over the years, dad has those days. strengthen site safety laws wearing his uniform often mentioned his old “Many of your readers will to protect workers. The following night duty, on that friend Ronnie.” probably recognise Ronnie, guest of honour at the Sunday morning, when he Ms Milliken had been as he and his wife ran a unveiling was Billy Power, was woken by a black researching her family tree newsagents in Islington for one of the Birmingham Six. shadow falling across the and decided to use the many years.”

Centenary of law to Suspected black death protect monuments cemetery at Farringdon Plaque poll closes soon It is 100 years since the Ancient Monuments Act Archaeologists have found came into force. This created 21 skeletons in Farringdon, powers still used to which could be from a hastily safeguard historic buildings. built black death cemetery. The only scheduled ancient They were found under monument in Islington is Charterhouse Square during the Benedictine Nunnery  excavation work for Crossrail. of St Mary Clerkenwell.  Crossrail lead archaeologist St John’s Priory gatehouse Jay Carver said: “This is a was de-scheduled because it highly significant discovery. was listed grade 1. We will be undertaking scientific tests to establish Save Smithfield market their cause of death, whether signatures top 1,000 they were plague victims from the 14th century or Artist Louis Wain, of St John Street, is best known for his cats A petition to save Smithfield later London residents, how market has been signed by old they were and perhaps Voting for the 2013 Islington l Len Harvey, boxer; over 1,000 people. It calls on evidence of who they were. People’s Plaque scheme l Michael Faraday, chemist heritage minister Ed Vaizey “The depth of burials, the closes on Monday 8 April. and physicist; to stop the gutting of pottery found and the way This year’s candidates are: l Nat Gonella, jazz Smithfield and list it. The the skeletons have been set l Betty Knight, community trumpeter and band leader; market, by Victorian out all point towards this activist; l Ronald “Carl” Giles, architect and former City being part of the 14th century l Dr Gordon Signy, Olympic cartoonist; and surveyor Horace Jones, was emergency burial ground.” fencer and pathologist; l Robert Paul, built in 1879-99. The skeletons will be taken l Louis Wain, artist; cinematographer. l Sign the petition at http:// to the l Jackie Pallo, wrestler; l www.islington.gov.uk/

Louis Wain: Wikimedia Commons; Norman Dover and Ronnie Newton: Linda Milliken; Commons; Norman Dover Wikimedia Wain: Louis Barnsbury dig: Derek Seeley Chris Smith: Christy Lawrance; tinyurl.com/brtg8qz Archaeology for testing. l Jean Simmons, actress; plaques

4 Journal of the Islington Archaeology & History Society Spring 2013 Vol 3 No 1 House two for one offer Chris Smith describes fond memories Members of the society are and green issues at Peter Powell event being offered two for the price of one entry to . Chris Smith, former have we travelled on a green This is only surviving Islington MP, Environment road?” , was appropriate to home in the world of Agency chairman and IAHS commemorate the man he Benjamin Franklin – scientist, president, gave the described as a “dedicated diplomat, philosopher, US inaugural Peter Powell environmentalist”. founding father and more. memorial lecture in March. Concern over green issues The house, built circa Peter, a former chairman was evident in the campaign 1730, is grade I listed, of the IAHS, was described to keep forests public, he said. retaining original Georgian, as “a great friend and a great He described how interest Victorian and Regency colleague” and a “devoted in the local environment, features, including panelling Islingtonian” by Lord Smith such as admiring bird life, and the central staircase. of Finsbury – they were both was linked to high-level The house, on Craven Labour councillors in the political decisions – a link Street near 1980s. “He probably knew recognised by Peter. station, is open on Monday more about the streets and The town hall committee and on Wednesday to buildings than anyone else,” Chris Smith: political decisions room was packed for the Sunday. Architectural tours Lord Smith said. affect local environments event, which was attended are held on Mondays. On Peter, a former actor, by Peter’s widow Judith, Wednesday-Sunday, a chaired Brighter Islington, a stories of people such as daughters Cordelia and “historical experience” tells campaign to make the George Orwell, Charles Imogen, and Imogen’s Franklin’s story with drama, borough greener. He led Dickens, John Betjeman, Joe fiancé David – they are music and lighting. walks celebrating Islington’s Orton and Trotsky. getting married in the  The two for one offer runs colourful history, with Lord Smith’s talk, “How far Union Chapel in June. until the end of June. l www.benjaminfranklin house.org. To book a visit, call 020 7925 1405. Medieval moat opened in Barnsbury

New River Head An excavation at Barnsbury 1: Chalk-built channel that gardens to open Square has revealed the remains of a medieval moat drained into The rose gardens at New at least 8 metres wide and the moat; 2: recording River Head could be opened more that 2 metres deep 19th century to the public this year. Cllr from modern ground level. backfills in the Martin Klute told the Journal A drainage channel flows moat side; that the council is working from east to west into the 3: chimney to enforce agreements western arm of the moat. A base; 4: moat saying that the gardens 3-4 metre length of a drain edge and channel before should be open every other made with rough-cut pieces 1 Sunday. It has been able to of chalk was found on the excavation get the gardens at inside of the drain channel. Myddelton Passage at the The east end of the drain There are some fragments of rear of the site opened. was removed for the green glazed pottery. construction of a large Milk bottles from dairies Finsbury Health Centre postwar chimney base. in Roman Road, Caledonian charity made official Medieval finds are sparse. Road, Pulford Road and Hemingford Road, probably 2 Finsbury Health Centre interwar, were found in the Preservation Trust has backfill of the moat. gained charity status. The IAHS committee member, grade I listed heath centre Derek Seeley, who is also was designed by Berthold senior project manager at Lubetkin. The trust aims to the Museum of London raise money for and oversee Archaeology, has been 4 3 the building’s restoration. working at the site.

Journal of the Islington Archaeology & History Society Spring 2013 Vol 3 No 1 5 Letters and your questions We welcome letters. Our researcher Michael Reading can answer your questions, so get in touch if you have a query about Islington, or can answer or add to anything here

Jones Bros shopping tokens purchase and the value was Michael Reading writes: damage during the last war, I have an interest in local greater than the change. Your two aunts were in but no 480 is shown as token coinage, and would It seems that Thursday business from approximately unscathed. be interested to know if was a quiet trading day and the 1930s to the early 1970s. anyone has information the tokens were a way of The Post Office street Sudeley Street’s old houses about a 39mm aluminium encouraging customers to directory CD for 1935  My grandfather was born at token issued for Jones Bros shop then. This arrangement has the following entry:  20 Sudeley Street in 1918. (Holloway) Ltd. was discontinued when “No 480 Caledonian Road Do you know if the houses The obverse says: “Jones Jones Bros (Holloway) Ltd (on the East Side), Miss that are there now are as old Bros (Holloway) Ltd. became part of the John Edith Young, Drug Stores, as 1918? Thursday Shopping Token Lewis Partnership. Post, Money Orders, Matthew Betts Value 1d. Change this any Telephone Call Office & [email protected] Thursday.” Shops in the 1930s Savings Bank; No 480A The reverse says: “Jones I am looking for records and Caledonian Road, Miss Michael Reading writes: Bros (Holloway) Ltd. One photos of shops in Islington Edith Young, Fancy Drapers.” Sudeley Street was penny will be allowed for since the 1930s. The London Metropolitan completed in 1842 and, like each Token and any number My great aunts, Edith Archives has the Post Office nearby Elia Street (formerly may be changed whilst Young and Grace Newman street directories on Alfred Street) and Vincent buying on any Thursday (née Young) rented three microfilm from 1800 to Street, was laid out by a morning.” shops at different periods: around 1995. James Rhodes, using three It seems like an early l A sub post office in If you know the street near builders, William version of today’s retailer Caledonian Road during the Kentish Town underground Beckingham, John Wilson loyalty card schemes. I’d like late 1930s, close to the station and choose an and Thomas Allen. to know when were they railway – it was broken into appropriate year, you should The name Sudeley comes issued and on what terms a couple of times; find an entry for your aunts’ from Sudeley Manor and were they issued – ie how l A shop next to Kentish business, similarly for their Sudeley Castle in much did you have to spend Town tube – we think selling business in Amwell Street. Gloucestershire. to get a 1d token? wool – in the 1950s or By searching either side of The ordnance survey maps Mark Taylor 1960s; and this date, you should be able for 1871, 1894 and 1914 all markandlintaylor@ l A grocery store, possibly to gain the approximate time show an unchanged row of btinternet.com in Amwell Street in the late of their tenancies. terraced houses on each 1960s/early 1970s, close to The London Metropolitan side, of the length of the Michael Reading writes: Vernon Baptist Church. Archives holds a large street, which is quite I contacted the archivist at They were born and lived collection of photographs of remarkable. The bomb the John Lewis Partnership. in St John Street. Islington, which are filed damage map shows that Jones Bros (Holloway) Ltd I would like to find a under street names. Sudeley Street suffered no was one of several provincial record of their tenancy of You may also find more damage or loss during the stores bought by Gordon these businesses, and any information and blitz or the subsequent Selfridge after he had photos of the premises at photographs at the Islington V weapons attack. established his main store in those times. Local History Centre. I have looked at the Post Oxford Street. It formed part Hilary Pillin No 480 Caledonian Road Office street directory for of the Selfridge Provincial [email protected] is a new building and is 1912, the nearest I have to Group. This group occupied by William Hill the year of your was sold to the bookmakers. The bomb grandfather’s birth, and this John Lewis damage map shows  shows that there were four Partnership that the other shops  businesses in the street – a in 1940. in the short parade builder at no 16, a grocer at The suffered some bomb no 24, a chiming clock tokens were maker at no 30 and another given in lieu Jones Bros’ shopping grocer at no 36. No 36 of small tokens – forerunner of seems to have retained its change from a today’s loyalty schemes? shop front, which was

6 Journal of the Islington Archaeology & History Society Spring 2013 Vol 3 No 1 probably put in after the of Holloway Road at the house was built, although London Metropolitan today it has reverted to a Archives or the Islington residence. Local History Centre. Because coal fires were used in the past, the walls of Deryn Flanigan writes: the houses in the street I am most grateful to you for would not have been the information concerning painted white as they are Highbury Brewery and the today and I would venture attached pub. that there were very few if It is interesting that the any trees in the street, brewery closed in the same whereas today there are year as my last known approximately 15. directory entry. It may be that the demise of the 19th century Canonbury cork-cutting business Square Canonbury Square terrace inluding number 35, built around 1818 followed hard on the heels My ancestors lived at 35 of the brewery’s closure. Canonbury Square up to and wonder if your society Post Office directory for Cork cutting was 1842. The properties are might be able to help me 1912 shows the business at something of a dying numbered up to 33. Are you with photos, memories or 107 Holloway Road, industry by the beginning of able to tell me what information on any of the whereas the directory for the 20th century, and I have happened to number 35? addresses below. 1925 does not. been told that it is quite Christopher Deane It would also be helpful if To establish the possible surprising that my ancestors’ By email anyone could establish closure date of the business, business lasted for as long when the business stopped a search could be made as it did. Michael Reading writes: operating. All I know is that through the directories from 35 Canonbury Square was Charles died in 1915, and 1915 to 1925 on the Lost homes of Crayford Road one of a group of seven that, by around 1925, Alfred assumption that the final What happened to 1-41  houses built on the north- was living in Norfolk. entry would be the year of (or so) Crayford Road N7 east side the square, from The earliest directory closure. These directories are – was the site damaged about 1818. listing I have is dated 1884 available at the London before the estate was built The houses were of (the business directory of Metropolitan Archives. and were the homes any variable size and 33-36 still London) and records 107 Holloway Road is on different from those that exists today; no 35 is the “C. Newton and Son, Cork the west side and the south survived? central one with the small Manufacturers” at 358 end of this very long road. Christian Wolmar fanlight (see picture). By the Liverpool Road, London Approximately 50 yards [email protected] end of the Second World War, North. The 1891 Islington further north on the east 37-39 had become derelict street directory records them side were nos 52-54, the Michael Reading writes: and were demolished. at 48 Holloway Road, and by Highbury Brewery. The The building of Crayford The space created was 1907 Alfred is living on site. brewery was built in 1815  Road began in 1876 and was filled with a terrace of  The 1911 census and 1914 by William Willoughby. It completed by 1880. The five new houses of Post Office Directory give closed in 1914, leaving 1894 Ordnance Survey map complementary design. the business address as public house The Highbury shows lines of terraced Having more houses in  107 Holloway Road. Brewery Tap at no 54; the houses on both sides, with the original space I believe the Holloway rest of site was built on. an exit into Parkhurst Road necessitated a modification Road addresses were in the No 107 is now occupied in the south and an exit into of the numbering. The bomb vicinity of the Highbury by a letting agency and  Carleton Road in the north. damage map for 1939-45 Brewery and attached pub, there is still a public house There is no indication  shows that no bombs fell  which my ancestors may at no 54, called The Lamb. that the houses demolished in the square, nor did it have supplied with corks There may be to provide the ground for suffer from any nearby  and bungs. photographs of this part  the Bakersfield Estate were blast damage. Deryn Flanigan (Mrs) deryn.flanigan@googlemail. Lost cork-cutting industry com Write to [email protected], via www.iahs.org.uk or c/o I am trying to gather 6 Northview, Tufnell Park Road, N7 0QB. Please note information on a cork- Michael Reading writes: letters may be edited. Say if you would like your email/ cutting business run by my You have been able to trace postal address printed, so readers can contact you ancestor, Charles Newton, the various locations of your and his son, Alfred James ancestor’s business in Note: the society does not carry out family research Newton, around 1881-1925, Islington until 1914. The

Journal of the Islington Archaeology & History Society Spring 2013 Vol 3 No 1 7 any different from those that I’m also looking for 80,000 private graves. have survived and are there anyone who has a 18th or We would like to gauge today. 19th cesspool/cesspit (not interest and enthusiasm to The houses in the south of coal bunkers/cellars). form a cemetery historical the street up to Tabley Road Lee Jackson group focusing on its social were four stories, with bay [email protected] history aspects. windows on the semi- People buried in the basements and first floors, I been unable to find any cemeteries include: Henry while those beyond were information about the stone Palmer, an Odd Fellow; three stories, with the bays carvings. What I have found music hall star Lottie Collins, on the ground and first is that it is part of a terrace famous for singing Ta Ra Ra floors. It is probable that the from the Angel end of City Boom De Ay, Henri D’Alcorn, street was built by different Road to Wakley Street City Road carving – anyone music hall publisher; Henry builders. (Sidney Street before 1936). know its origin? Croft, the first pearly king; Commencing in the south It was begun in 1803, on a Cora Crippen; Victorian on the east side was Hilton site once used for prize china, white goods, beds, actress Olga Brandon; Ford Road, then Cardwell Road, fighting and the occasional haberdashery, cookware etc. Madox Brown; and victims then Tabley Road. Hilton execution. By 1860, nos (I guess it was a mini of the Fenian Explosion of Road has gone and is part of 338-398 had been completed. Gamages, for those who Clerkenwell in 1867. the Bakersfield Estate that The terrace was named remember Gamages of We know where these was built in 1977-78. Dalby Terrace, after a Mr .) people are buried but there The bomb damage maps Dalby who had bought I still have a cruet set my are thousands more to find. show that the houses on the considerable property with uncle and aunt bought my Richard Baldwin east side of Crayford Road, the money he had made late parents 50 years ago in Islington and St Pancras from Tabley Road to from the invention of beer Dawson’s when they came Cemeteries and Cardwell Road, all suffered machines used in pubs. up from Cornwall on their Crematorium, High Road, general blast damage, honeymoon. East , N2 9AG, probably caused by the Holloway boxer’s story I think the store was still islingtoncamdencemeteries V1 weapon that fell at now online there into the 1980s – @islington.gov.uk 3.21pm on 12 July 1944 at You were kind enough to possibly even the 1990s from the junction of Carleton feature my great memory when travelling to Were you a community Road and Anson Road, grandfather, Harry Duncan, City Road/Old Street to visit activist? killing two people and the Holloway boxer, in your my parents, as I moved away I am a PhD student at the injuring 20 others. The magazine (winter 2009-10). in early 1980 when I bought University of York involved houses on the area now I thought you might be my first house. in a project on community occupied by the Bakersfield interested in his website at David Kemp action in urban Britain in the Estate were undamaged. www.nigelharding.wix.com/ By email 1960s, 1970s and 1980s. harryduncanboxer I am interested in the Christian Wolmar writes: Nigel Harding Interested in a cemetery politics of housing and Thanks for that. The estate Via email social history group? planning at this time and at the end of the road is a I have worked at St Pancras grassroots community City of London estate that is Dawson’s stores Cemetery and been groups active in housing, older than the 1970s, Your autumn 2011 issue associated with Islington planning, conservation and comprised of brown brick printed a letter about Cemetery for over 35 years. gentrification. flats rather like those built Dawson’s Department Store It saddens me that despite I was wondering whether by the London County at City Road, EC1. existing since 1854, there the IAHS might be able to Council. There are still City I was born in the 1950s has been little interest in the advise me on where I might of London signs on the and lived and grew up in social history here. access the records of older one and that is the Sutton Dwellings (later Most of our burial community groups from this one that must be where the renamed Sutton Estate) registers are on a database period. I would also like to houses were. which was near Old Street but no one has gone talk to anyone who was Why demolish perfectly tube station and Dawson’s. through them to pick out involved in these issues. good houses, the rest of I can remember as a child interesting people who are I have already made fairly which have survived? often going into the store important to local history as extensive use of the council which in those days had two well as the more famous. archives; they have some Monsters and cesspits floors or possibly three. In Many of the memorials useful materials, but their I was wondering why this later years, as business are degrading and coverage is fairly slim from sea-monster(?) appears dwindled, it became a inscriptions may be lost if the mid-1960s onwards. repeating on rooftops of a street-level shop only. they are not recorded. This is David Ellis terrace on City Road In the 1950s and 1960s it a mammoth task as the site [email protected] (pictured). sold a bit of everything – is some 190 acres with some [email protected]

8 Journal of the Islington Archaeology & History Society Spring 2013 Vol 3 No 1 Amazing fakes

Two forgers brought out thousands of medieval antiquities in 19th century London. Philip Mernick describes their extraordinary industry

illy and Charleys originals, however – contemporary Some Billy and publication described them as were numerous, illustrations of such artefacts Charleys: top: “those notorious scamps”. heart reliquary; varied series of fake rarely gave their dimensions. Eaton died of tuberculosis at left: statue; right: antiquities. Shadwell Eaton and Smith sold their coin: face/ his home in Wellclose Square in forgeries, as they first group to a small-time armorial design; 1870. His partner – now known Bwere also known, were produced antiques dealer William Edwards brass spear; for reasons unknown as William to dupe a public eager to acquire who resold then to established below: ampulla Monk – continued making Billy medieval antiquities being dealer Thomas Eastwood, who and Charleys until at least 1872. discovered in an ever-growing had premises in City Road. Henry Syer Cuming, after 19th century London They came to the notice of whom Southwark’s The names come from their antiquarians when Eastwood museum is named, is makers, William Smith and offered them, as “a remarkably recorded as buying Charles Eaton. From a workshop curious and unique collection of some – knowing in Royal Mint Street, or Rosemary leaden signs or badges of the what they were – Lane as it was still commonly time of Richard II”, to Thomas directly from Monk. known, they produced thousands Bateman, a wealthy Peak District Many museums of these forgeries between 1857 archaeologist and collector. purchased examples as and 1870. As knowledge of these genuine before the truth Their early works were in lead fabulous items spread, their was revealed and or pewter and, in the 1860s, they authenticity was queried and significant collections are began to use brass. The same adverse comments made in held in Bedford, Bristol, designs were used in learned journals. Liverpool and London. dated and A court case There has been disagreement undated versions between one of over the spelling of the artefacts as in different metals. these journals and Billie or Billy and Charlie, Charly Many items Thomas Eastwood or Charley. Nineteenth century purported to be did not resolve the documents consistently use Billy pilgrims’ badges matter. This left and Charley, the earliest use and holy water Smith and Eaton being the Times report of 6 August ampullas. They to continue for so 1858 of the trial at Guildford. were much long that a Eaton and Smith were, larger than the contemporary apparently, illiterate but were ingenious, creating a wide range of objects. They were certainly Find out more and view the famous forgeries criminals and often dismissed as mudlarks or riverside labourers, ne of the most of Eaton and Smith’s activities yet they possessed sufficient accessible collections at www.mernick.org.uk/B&C/ skills and imagination to fool Oof Billy and Charleys is index.htm. It shows items from many highly educated men. held at the , public and private collections. Ironically, their Old Walworth Town Hall, 151 Billy and Charleys have been fabrications nowadays Walworth Road, SE17 1RY, 020 the subject of many articles. often fetch more than 7525 2332, cuming.museum@ The most comprehensive, by the genuine article. n southwark.gov.uk. Entrance is Robert Halliday and published free and the nearest tube is in The London Archaeologist, is Philip Mernick is chairman Elephant and Castle. reproduced with permission at of the East London History Philip Mernick has created a www.mernick.org.uk/B&C/ Society. He recently spoke website to illustrate the breadth page1.htm. to the IAHS about Billy and Charley forgeries

Journal of the Islington Archaeology & History Society Spring 2013 Vol 3 No 1 9 Steam powered celebration

To mark 150 years since the world’s first underground railway opened, heritage trains took passengers again. Christy Lawrance looks back

team travel returned to The Jubilee rebuild of an 1863 locomotive. being kept in use had meant it Farringdon station this carriage at This meant that its entire cost survived. year to mark the 150th Farringdon; could be offset against profits for It was restored at the anniversary of the right: in 2011 1898 rather than being Ffestiniog and Welsh Highland opening of the before depreciated over many years. Railway workshops North Wales restoration MetrSopolitan Railway in January Although the 0-4-4 tank from 2011. Craft workers used 1863, the world’s first under- engine had been the highlight of on photographs and drawings to ground train service. the tube centenary celebrations in recreate its appearance. There is The Metropolitan locomotive 1963 and was one of the last of its no 1 steam train, along with kind, it was sold for scrap. It was Metropolitan Railway electric bought by the Quainton Railway locomotive No 12 Sarah Siddons, Society/Buckinghamshire Railway pulled the Metropolitan Railway Centre in 1964, which restored it. Jubilee first-class carriage no 353, Passenger coaches included a milk van and the Chesham the Metropolitan Railway Jubilee passenger coaches over two carriage 353, the oldest surviving weekends in January. working tube carriage. This The trains began their first first-class carriage was built for commemorative journey at the London Metropolitan Kensington Olympia station. Railway in 1892. more than £700 worth of 23.5 Travelling at 25mph – half the It was sold to Weston, carat gold leaf on the carriage, speed of tube trains todays – Clevedon and Portishead Light and all writing has been done by they crossed central London via Railway in 1905. After that line hand. The carriage originally had Farringdon in Islington to arrive closed in 1940, the coach survived gas lighting but, as safety at Moorgate on time at 10.30am. The 1920s Sarah various incarnations including as regulations no longer allow this, Tube services were running as Siddons passes a a club house, a shop and a farm LED lamps that look like gas tube carriage at usual, and many people hopped building. In 1974, it became part mantles have been fitted. Despite Farringdon, aboard trains behind the where the first of the London Transport the long-term neglect, 92% of commemorative service, hoping underground Museum collection. the wooden frame is original. to experience the smell and trains Museum curator Tim Shields The other coaches – the ambience of steam-filled tunnels. terminated curator told the Journal that its Chesham carriages – began service in 1899 when the Chesham branch of the he two locomotives and Metropolitan Line opened and the carriages all ran on the now run on Bluebell Railway TMetropolitan line during Society heritage tours. Also their working lives and have been known as the Ashbury Stock, restored to their former glory. they are comprised of a guard’s The steam engine, the brake coach, a third-class coach Metropolitan locomotive no 1, and two coaches with both first was built in 1898 by the and third class compartments. Metropolitan Railway in Neasden. They survived because the It is believed to have been Bluebell Railway required more numbered 1 because it was carriages in 1961, and the

Steam train arrival, Jubilee coach at Farringdon: Jon Barker/WS Atkins; modern train: Letser Hillman; 394 Chesham coach: Letser Hillman; 394 Chesham coach: Atkins; modern train: Barker/WS Jon at Farringdon: coach Jubilee arrival, Steam train Christy Lawrance carriage before restoration: Siddons and Jubilee Sarah E Petts; James Roger Carpe: milk van: described in the accounts as a cheapest on the market at £65

10 Journal of the Islington Archaeology & History Society Spring 2013 Vol 3 No 1 Right: Metropolitan locomotive no 1 arrives at Farringdon; left: Metropolitan Railway milk van – it had extra suspension to stop the milk from turning into butter en route each were these ex-Metropolitan Railway coaches. Also running was the Metropolitan Railway Milk Van No 3, which operated from 1896 to 1936. Milk vans carried churns of milk directly from dairy farms in Buckinghamshire and The platforms were enclosed, when the trains were stationary. Hertfordshire into London. The and, according to The Times of 10 Movement made them the lights vans were attached to fast January, “the sides and roof [were] flicker, which made reading passenger trains and were tastefully draped with scarlet and “exceedingly difficult”. ventilated to keep the milk fresh, white, ornamented with The second-class carriages with extra suspension to ensure numerous flags and banners“. were described as “very nicely it did not start turning into Over 600 guests attended. fitted with leathered seats, and butter en route. When it opened to the public are very commodious”. On the opposite end from the on 10 January 1863, long queues The article concluded: “It is steam train was the no 12 Sarah formed at the stations from gratifying to remark that, Siddons, one of the world’s to Farringdon Street. notwithstanding the eagerness of oldest working electric The first journey, with gas-lit the public to get into the carriages, locomotives, and still used for wooden carriage pulled by steam even when the trains were in heritage events. Named after a locomotives, took around 33 motion, no single accident, of any renowned 18th/19th century minutes. It was reported that kind, was reported.” A reassuring actress, it was built in 1922. It 40,000 people travelled on the endnote to a pioneering event. n started running in 1923 and took first day. Within six months, l For more on how London got passengers to Watford, Uxbridge 26,000 people were using it daily. its underground railway and its and Rickmansworth. The Observer newspaper arrival in Islington, see Wolmar C Below: 394 reported on Sunday 11 January (2012) Subterranean London. he day before the line Chesham 1863: “At eight o’clock the desire Journal of the Islington Archaeology opened to the public, the carriage at to travel underground in the and History Society 2: 1, 10-11 Metropolitan Railway Moorgate; right: direction of the City began to T 150th Company directors formally manifest itself… by nine it anniversary opened the line on 9 January became equally evident to the modern train 1863, after a journey along the alongside authorities that neither the new line followed by a banquet Metropolitan locomotive power nor the rolling at 3pm at the Farringdon Street locomotive no 1 stock at their disposal was at all terminus. at Moorgate in proportion to the requirements of the opening day… “Of the general comfort in travelling on the line there can be no doubt, and the novel introduction of gas into the carriages is calculated to dispel Sources any unpleasant feelings which BBC News Bluebell Railway passengers, especially ladies, Dezeen Magazine might entertain against riding  for so long a distance through  Flour Mill Locomotive Repair Workshop a tunnel.” Islington Council Knowles E, Engineering Timelines It added that the gas lamps in the first-class carriages were The Observer bright enough to read – but only Transport for London

Journal of the Islington Archaeology & History Society Spring 2013 Vol 3 No 1 11 Canal museum comes of age

the museum facilities for events and receptions added around 5,000 visitors. The AGM received an update on the museum’s lively education programme. Nearly 1,300 school children from London and beyond visited. The work of the museum and education team was recognised with the Sandford Award from the Heritage Education Trust in November 2011. It was the musuem’s second such award in the last five years for excellence in heritage education.

Fun events and VIP visitors There are fun events too. The regular Halloween night attracts around 300 people. Many climb aboard for atmospheric night- time boat trips through the Islington Tunnel, complete with temperature changes, shadows, London Canal Museum celebrates its 21st birthday this year, gloom, sounds and cobwebs. and is attracting more visitors than ever. Lester Hillman Throughout the summer months, the museum runs reports on recent changes including new exhibits frequent boat trips through Islington Tunnel to City Road Basin, which was once known as his year it is 21 years The museum will be applying Above: the London’s inland port. since Islington’s to hold weddings. With its museum looking In September 2011, Quentin unique museum of waterside setting and its own tug across Blake came to the museum, canals and the ice Bantam IV moored alongside the Battlebridge which took a prominent part in industry history first colourful assortment of boats in Basin; trips are the launch of the national Big run through the opened its doors. The London the basin, it already attracts Draw event. The noted illustrator T Islington Tunnel Canal Museum at New Wharf bookings for wedding receptions. in summer – began a huge drawing to which Road in King’s Cross, on the Sadly, it is just a popular myth and on visitors to the museum added edge of Battlebridge Basin, was that captains of vessels here have Halloween contributions. Mr Blake was opened on 9 March 1982 by the the power to conduct weddings. conveyed across the basin on Princess Royal. Last year, visitor numbers board the tug Bantam IV and A year in the life of the reached 13,367, a rise of 12% on cut a ceremonial ribbon over  museum was reported earlier the previous year. Private hire of the water. this year at the annual general VIP events in the last two years meeting of Canal Museum Trust, have included a visit from the which runs the museum. Princess Royal. The chairman of the trust, In July last year, the Olympic Martin Sach, addressed the torch changed hands outside the Islington Archaeology & History museum, after being carried Society on the museum’s history down the Regent’s Canal and in February. being seen by thousands of As well as what had happened people who had gathered at St in 2011-12, the AGM also looked Pancras and King’s Cross as it at the museum’s plans for the reached Islington.

Museum and plaque: Lester Hillman; President: David Merrett/Wikimedia Commons; ice well and tunnel: Christy Lawrance Merrett/Wikimedia Museum and plaque: Lester Hillman; President: David year ahead. Two historic vessels paid visits

12 Journal of the Islington Archaeology & History Society Spring 2013 Vol 3 No 1 to Islington and the museum last year. The steam narrowboat President was moored alongside in the basin in readiness for the accession diamond jubilee pageant on the River Thames in June 2012. Later, on 23 August, the historic butty Ilkeston arrived. One hundred years old and newly restored, the Ilkeston was pulled by a horse on the towpath and attracted significant media interest. A crowd gathered at Hampstead Road Locks (better known as Camden Lock) and, later at the museum, TV journalist Kate Adie was on hand Above: the historic President steam for the final arrival. narrowboat, which was moored at the museum last summer; right: The museum contributed to doorway between the ice wells the restoration of the Ilkeston, below the museums; below: plaque commemorating the museum’s regal opening The Ilkeston butty boat was pulled by a horse finances and ambitious works are now in progress with the on the towpath and help of a substantial Heritage attracted crowds of Lottery Fund grant. Essential works to the floor people and significant above the vast historic media interest underground ice wells are being undertaken and improvements to the main staircase have been started in 1812 and was which was a star attraction at the completed. completed in 1820. Angel Festival at City Road Basin The museum is responding to This year is the 400th in early September. demands and changes. Visitors anniversary of the completion  The museum has also hosted like refreshments but a staffed of the New River, which arrived music and drama. The Journal café would not be practical.  at New River Head on reported on Rob Inglis’ Regent’s A vending machine means 29 September 1613, bringing Canal: a Folk Opera in its autumn visitors can now buy hot drinks fresh water to Londoners.  2012 issue. Performances took and sit near the rear windows, The watercourse lies buried place in the museum in July  where they can look across the above the eastern end of the and September, as well as at canal basin. Islington Tunnel. other venues in and around Directly across the basin is This year marks the 400th King’s Cross. King’s Place, which opened in anniversary of the Amsterdam 2008, with concert halls, canal ring and many celebrations Pioneer engine restaurants, art galleries, bar and are planned. It is possible to New exhibits include a 9hp waterside restaurant, conference travel to Bruges in Belgium  semi-diesel Bolinder engine. The space and Guardian newspaper and Amsterdam in the Bolinder engine was the most offices. The museum recently put Netherlands to see canals from common internal combustion up a sign so people visiting and King’s Cross. n engine used on canal boats in working at King’s Place l The London Canal Trust’s the 1920s and 1930s. It brought would spot it and be annual report can be about a major change to canal encouraged to visit. downloaded from  life as it replaced horses. The www.canalmuseum.org.uk/ engine was installed by a More anniversaries annualreport1112.pdf specialist company in June 2011. The bicentenary of The museum entrance charge the canal’s Lester Hillman is academic adviser has been increased but is still a construction starting to the Islington Archaeology & modest £4 and concessions are was celebrated last History Society and volunteer at the available. This has assisted the year – construction London Canal Museum

Journal of the Islington Archaeology & History Society Spring 2013 Vol 3 No 1 13 Building the vestry hall

A decision by the biggest vestry in north London to build a new hall was engulfed by claims of nepotism and corruption, as well as building delays. Alan Pattison tells a tale of Victorian local government

ntil the early The vestry unanimously  Above: St Mary’s find a suitable site. This would 1850s, the parish agreed the report and its Islington Vestry preferably be within a quarter of of St Mary’s was a recommendations. These Hall, designed a mile of Highbury station, or typical English included electing a representative by Thomas between the station and Islington parish looking after vestry of 120, employing staff Allom, 1856-8; Green or at least no more than the spiritual needs of its residents such as clerks, slaughterhouse from Building 200 yards either side of that line, U News, 1857 and other ecclesiastical affairs. inspectors and workhouse which was seen as the area After the passing of the Better officers, and borrowing money to “most frequented by taxpayers”. Regulation of the Vestries Act in buy or build a vestry hall on the By 7 August 1857, the 1831, certain larger vestries were “security of the Poor Rate”. committee agreed that land encouraged to change how they In 1855, the Metropolis should be bought on which to operated. Changes could include: Management Act was passed. This construct a vestry hall, with a having decisions made by a created civil vestries throughout total budget of £6,000. Later that limited number of vestrymen, London, which were distinct month, they found a suitable instead of by all parishioners; from the ecclesiastical vestries. location and agreed to buy an having the vestrymen elected, Civil vestries would carry out the area equivalent to seven houses with electors “rated to the relief business of local government, on Upper Street from Heads of the poor” and votes available which would include the provision Nursery for £500. to anyone owning property worth and upkeep of local facilities more than £40 a year, including such as roads and pavements, Fairness questioned women; moving vestry meetings parks, playgrounds, street lights, They drew up a shortlist of from the churches into more and village or town halls. architectural designs for the new suitable buildings; and employing Management of the new building. There seems little doubt staff to manage vestry business. vestries in London was a much that matters did not proceed as Because it was the largest bigger task than had been fairly as they should have done. vestry in north London, St Mary’s anticipated by the 1831 act, Among others, The Builder Islington qualified as a “select especially the big vestries, such magazine – the foremost vestry” so the act could apply to it. as St Mary’s Islington. architectural journal of the time Because the law was a “permissive On 13 May 1857, St Mary’s – picked up on inconsistency in act”, it was up to the vestry as to decided that they needed a site the selection process. It noted whether they would use it. on which a vestry hall could be that the “personal interests of On 11 December 1851, the built. A committee was set up to several of the vestrymen serve  vestry decided to appoint a to explain why some of the 12 committee to determine whether designs are in the list and other the act would be right for “The personal interests of several better designs remain Islington. On 9 December the unselected”. In another edition, following year, a full report was of the vestrymen serve to explain it said: “We would wager a new presented to the vestry and why some of the 12 designs are in hat that we could name three formally published so that all out of four of the designs that parishioners could examine  the list and other, better designs the committee will probably their findings and help come  remain unselected” name to the vestry as being the to a decision. best and should not wonder if

14 Journal of the Islington Archaeology & History Society Spring 2013 Vol 3 No 1 Vestry hall decisions taken by St Mary’s internal plans: vestry. It also published an the layouts of impression of the building the rejected and designed by Henry Cooper chosen designs (below left). The internal plans of were similar both designs are fairly similar, which it makes it surprising that Cooper’s design was rejected.

Building starts The contract for building was awarded on 27 April to Dove Brothers, the notable Islington building firm, which had been awarded contracts by the vestry before. This appears to have been a fair decision as the firm offered the lowest price of £4,987. Unfortunately, the firm was rather slow and, by 1 April 1859, the vestry hall was still not finished. The vestry noted that it would aim to recover some costs from Dove Brothers for the late they prove to be the work of This did not discourage the construction but there is no clear parties intimately connected to Islington vestry and, by the end record as to whether they the vestrymen.” of October 1857, the vestrymen succeeded. Dove Brothers A letter was published along had agreed plans, with the continued work and became one the same lines in The Builder a architect being Henry E Cooper. of the most famous church the complaining correspondent In January 1858, the committee builders in 19th century England. called “A Competitor”. The same concluded that the internal The building was finally person wrote the same letter to design was not ideal, so they finished in late June 1859 and Building News on 23 October selected another architect – the first vestry meeting in the 1857 and followed this on Thomas Allom. This might have impressive new hall was held on 6 November with slightly more been a good decision as Thomas 23 September 1859. pointed accusations, before his Allom was already a respected The inhabitants of Islington final letter, on 20 November 1857 architect, having worked on the now had a centre for their new which noted that vestryman Houses of Parliament; he later local government of which they Dennis may well have been achieved fame by designing the could feel proud. swayed by having just picked up Kensington workhouse. However, the processes to a building contract for Watford The Builder was less convinced select the architect and builders cemetery from an architect called and continued to point out the had been far from perfect. Some Cooper who was on the shortlist. possibility of nepotism in the might say that they are a good example of “old corruption”, the nepotistic style of government that was supposedly eradicated by the reforms of the 1840s. Even if not corrupt, the building of  St Mary’s Islington Vestry Hall remains a good example of how the Victorian era was adjusting  to the changes needed in governing the most important city in the world. n

Alan Pattison has lived in Islington for more than 25 years. He is the chair of the trustees of KEEN London, a local charity that The Builder magazine published this impression of Henry E Cooper’s provides activities for children design, which was chosen amid accusations of favouritism then rejected with disabilities Islington Local History Centre Library; RIBA

Journal of the Islington Archaeology & History Society Spring 2013 Vol 3 No 1 15 Modernism for sociable living

Islington’s most ambitious interwar housing project combined municipal and social ambitions in style. Ian Hunt explores Brecknock Road Estate’s architectural qualities

1938-39. By this time Monson impression and, on Anson Road, had visited Europe to look at a highly complex rhythm (see recent architecture at first hand. cover picture). The achievements of the This exploitation of sloping Weimar Republic social housing topography for visual effect programmes and the architecture (which can also be seen at the of Red Vienna were widely firm’s Aubert Court in Avenell discussed by British architects, but Road, Highbury) is a rarely influenced what got built. compellingly skilful Brecknock Road Estate, however, demonstration of a principle is surprisingly reminiscent in found in Islington’s Urban Design mood and effect of some of the Guide: “Street frontages that run 1 Berlin estates of Bruno Taut, down a hill should normally which have been given World Heritage status by Unesco. ousing estates are 1: north How does the estate look and the result of social courtyard; 2: work? It is a red-brick estate agreements and triangular built around two courtyards, architectural windows at with a public path between them Blake House; 3: thinking. called Middle Way. The 16 blocks, corner windows Brecknock Road Estate, with its all five storeys, are not huge or H at Quelch thoughtful layout and striking House; 4: monolithic: each is an easily design, shows how municipal Middle Way; 5: knowable community. There are planning met ideas from the Quelch House; gaps between the buildings, modern movement. 6: roofline at allowing views through to the Public service architects in the Hyndman and trees and green of the courtyards. interwar period had to address a Kingsley An immediately appealing long-running crisis: how to Houses, Anson aspect of the architecture is the Road; 7: lift provide working-class homes to way the design exploits the tower; 8: replace overcrowded, dark and sloping slate contours of the site, which falls 2 run-down housing. In inner roof away from Brecknock Road. Each London and the nearer suburbs, building sits on a different level the answer was flats. so, as you walk down Anson have a stepped roofline frontage By the 1930s, these architects Road or Middle Way, the regular and threshold that echoes their were also responding to or, in a and repeated features of the topography.” few cases, actively promoting a façades – rectangular balconies, The varied line of the shallow- move away from neo-Georgian deep bay windows, modernist pitched roofs, set off against tall – a well-organised but often rather 90º corner windows – make a chimneys, is another unusual inert manner that emphasised constantly changing visual feature. Flat roofs are a symbol of symmetry and orderliness – modern architecture, and towards modern movement Monson had tried them out in proportions and a horizontal Islington buildings by ECP Monson other housing schemes. emphasis in façades and windows. Manchester Mansions, 1920; Halton Mansions, However, Brecknock Road It was a rather uncertain move 1920-21; Taverner Estate, 1922; Islington Town Estate’s grey slate roof with red for many municipal architects. Hall, 1922-26; Tyndale Mansions, 1924-26; ridge tiles, angled at exactly the The firm headed by ECP Monson Grimaldi House, 1926-27; Margery Street pitch of many nearby Victorian (1872-1941; he worked with his Estate, 1930-33; Cyrus House, 1933-34; houses, uses the colour of natural brother Harry and son John) was Wakelin House, 1933-35; Hornsey Lane Estate, materials and striking forms to one of these capable, prolific but 1938-39; Aubert Court, 1947-53; Cluse Court, modify the modernity of the perhaps rather stolid practices. 1950s; Sussex Close, 1950 façades. It is a task of architecture

Photos 2 and 4: Russell Jones; all other photos: Ian Hunt Photos 2 and 4: Russell Jones; Brecknock Estate was built in to fit in while also being strongly

16 Journal of the Islington Archaeology & History Society Spring 2013 Vol 3 No 1 3 itself. The roofline interest represents a confident and 4 deliberate compromise with the context of a Victorian suburb, not a weak pastiche, and helps to make subtle balancing act. The it a memorable local landmark. horizontal emphasis implicit in The plan of the estate is lucid the modern window proportions and easy to understand, and and façades is expertly balanced establishes a strong perimeter by vertical accents, such as the around the social areas of the triangular bay windows and the courtyards. These are overlooked deep, three-faceted bay windows. by open galleries for access on Similarly, on the backs of the the corner blocks; the other, buildings, the rubbish chute smaller, blocks have internal “chimneys” make a strong vertical stairways. The site is not against the access galleries. completely square, so the The stair towers on the 5 buildings, although internal access blocks add approximately symmetrical in another vertical element. The their organisation, occupy space two external lift towers – added the war and ECP’s death. in a relaxed way, rather as the by Rock Townsend in the 1980s The addition of Brecknock Road Victorian houses do on the as part of Islington’s pioneering Estate to the local list of heritage adjoining streets. Estate Action Plan – enhance assets is well-deserved recognition The planning does not depend this, and are striking visual for a prolific partnership that, by on the grand and large-scale features in their own right. the end of the 1930s, had caught effects of symmetry found in The planning and style of the up with the spirit of the time in most neo-Georgian, deco and estate represent a successful an original and imaginative way. moderne buildings and, in a municipal compromise between Perhaps this modest form of 6 subtle way, this meant that tradition and modernity, and are protection for the estate also individuals could – and still can an evocative expression of a allows for recognition of the – feel more entitled to be here. broadly social-democratic values its architecture embodies. n The architecture creates an impulse in architecture – to build equalising backdrop to honestly as well as proudly. Ian Hunt is an art critic, teaching in communal life and, at the same Many estates in Islington are the department of art at Goldsmiths, time, visual interest out of its the work of the firm of ECP University of London; he lives on varied forms and plain materials, Monson, which continued after Brecknock Road Estate which include high-quality References and sources Garside P (2000) The Conduct brickwork and slender Crittall Monson J (1941) Biographical of Philanthropy: William steel. It does not insist that letter about ECP Monson, Sutton Trust 1900-2000. 7 tenants should feel grateful to be British Architectural Library London: Athlone Press here, though they may do, Housing Committee minutes, Powers A (2007) Britain: Islington Local History Centre Modern Architectures in especially as the flats are filled Islington Council (2006) History. London: Reaktion with light. Islington Urban Design Guide Ravetz A (1974) From working In the care with which it was Bold J, Hinchcliffe T (2009) class tenement to modern flat. planned and executed, the estate Discovering London’s In: Anthony Sutcliffe, ed, Buildings. London: Francis Multi-Storey Living: the British links back to the early Lincoln Working Class Experience. achievements of London County Forshaw A (2001) 20th London: Croom Helm Council housing. It balances the Century Buildings in Islington. Temple P, ed (2008) Survey of values of sociability with a sense London: Islington Society London, XLVII: Northern Hinchliffe T (1991) The Clerkenwell and Pentonville. of refuge and quiet. Housing Market in Islington London: English Heritage and 8 At the level of form, there is a Between the Wars. PhD thesis Yale University Press

Journal of the Islington Archaeology & History Society Spring 2013 Vol 3 No 1 17 Turning history into mystery

Joan Lock describes how she carried out research for her Victorian crime novel based around the Princess Alice disaster and baby farming in Islington

y first Victorian were found in a field off crime novel, Caledonian Road, in Highbury Dead Image, was New Park, in Thornhill Square, set against a real by a dung heap in Sable Street, Margaret Waters. She was life disaster, the Canonbury, and in the back of a arrested, tried for murder and Regent’Ms Park explosion of 1874.  hansom cab. hanged. I wanted my second – Dead Born What the parcels all contained Most of the blame for “child – to feature the Princess Alice were the bodies of babies –  dropping” was then laid at the disaster of 1878, in which the and the subsequent inquests door of baby farmers and pleasure steamer was rammed by were duly reported in the lying-in establishments. a Tyne colliery ship, resulting in Islington Gazette. Baby farmers were a type of the loss of around 650 lives. There was nothing unusual childminder. They took in babies As many of the victims of  about this state of affairs. It was  for a fee on a weekly basis or the disaster were from Islington, a national problem. Birth control offered to “permanently adopt” I also wanted to include the  was scarce and lone women them or facilitate this. baby farming that went on in were economically and sexually Child mortality was high even that area. vulnerable. in normal circumstances but the Early in 1870, many small Attention was drawn to the suspicion was that, once fees had parcels were found scattered subject when no fewer than 16 been handed over, some of the around Islington. When a bodies were found scattered babies were deliberately cheesemonger’s assistant  around Camberwell within the neglected or even murdered. arrived to take an order from  space of a few weeks. a house in Lorraine Place, he Sergeant Relf and Constable ‘This frightful race’ came across a parcel in the  Tyers traced some of the baby Islington was no worse than front garden. Other parcels  wrappings back to baby farmer some other boroughs but it did have a succession of active coroners who insisted on encouraging inquest verdicts of wilful murder or manslaughter. These cases were given much exposure in The Times, the Mercury, the British Medical Journal and the Islington Gazette. The Gazette called for baby farmers – “this frightful race of witches and hags” – to be exterminated. “If ever the tar barrel and the rope were needful, it is in this case,” it said. Clearly what Islington needed was a dose of Relf and Tyers and, in December 1870, they became lodgers near a suspect lying–in Above and top of page: the execution of baby farmer Margaret Waters was establishment in College Street

The Illustrated Police News, 1870; Wikimedia Commons Wikimedia News, 1870; Police Illustrated The extensively reported, including in early tabloid The Illustrated Police News (now College Cross, N1). They

18 Journal of the Islington Archaeology & History Society Spring 2013 Vol 3 No 1 were unsuccessful, they reported, downriver trips in search  because the suspects had of background – both on foot become cautious – probably as a and at various local archives. result of the recent hanging of Following the disaster, the Mrs Waters. newspaper coverage was understandably massive, this being the country’s worst civilian y difficulty was that disaster ever and newspapers Princess Alice disaster being the only method of mass Moccurred eight years communication. later, in 1878. However, despite Among the hundreds of bodies the passing of the Infant Life recovered, a number remained Above: the Protection Act in 1872 and Princess Alice unclaimed and two or three further legislation, the problem disaster; left: naked ones raised doubts as to had not gone away by then. beached whether their deaths were due  In August 1878, a drover taking remains to the accident. It was whispered his cattle along Brewery Road that if you had a body you need found a flannel-wrapped parcel to get rid of, this was a good time nestling below the Metropolitan and place to do so. Individual Cattle Market railings. In the leader comment berated the post mortems were out of  early morning two days later,  vestry for failing to provide the question. a man came upon another in public swimming baths when As it happened, Sergeant Best Highbury Crescent – and more the opportunity had arisen. came across the body of continued to be found. Various useful books on someone he knew had not been I knew that the Scotland Yard’s Islington’s past plus a couple  on board the doomed boat and detective branch had had some of Godfrey edition Old whose death he determined to involvement in baby farming Ordnance Survey Maps and  investigate and avenge. n enquiries, so I decided it was Jim Connell’s Illustrated History l The summer issue will contain high time for charismatic of Upper Street, Islington allowed more on Joan Lock’s research for Detective Sergeant Ernest Best  me to keep Best on track as he the Princess Alice disaster and its to go undercover next door to  hurried along in pursuit of a consequence for Islington. This a suspect lying-in establishment suspected “child dropper” and  will coincide with the publication in John Street (now Lofting to locate the venue for him to  of her non-fiction book on the Road, N1). go “rinking” – roller skating at Princess Alice disaster. The Islington Gazette provided rinks was all the rage – as a  advertisements from women cover for his surreptitious Joan Lock is a former police officer. offering to take in babies for a meeting with his sidekick author of fiction and non-fiction fee and for lodgings of the type Constable Smith. books. Find out about on her books, which Sergeant Best would need, documentaries and radio plays at as well as bus routes and Down the river www.joanlock.co.uk schedules for his journey to Once our hero had boarded the Swan Lane Pier by London doomed Princess Alice, my Dead Born and Dead Image are Bridge, where he would board research focus shifted to available from the IAHS. See the Princess Alice. Woolwich, including North publications, page 20 Almost prophetically, after Woolwich where many North several minor drowning London Railway passengers References and sources tragedies, letters to the editors  boarded, Gravesend, Sheerness Arnot ML (1994) Infant death, child care and the state: the baby-farming scandal of The Times, the Illustrated and all points in between, and the first infant life protection London News and the Islington particularly the famous legislation of 1872. Continuity and Gazette began pointing out the Rosherville Pleasure Gardens  Change 9(2): 271-311; Cambridge vulnerability of those who  at Northfleet where Best’s  University Press Findlay R (2006) More deadly than the could not swim. Following the quarry alighted. male...? Mothers and infanticide in disaster, an Islington Gazette This led me on several nineteenth century Britain. Cycnos 23: 2 Lock J (1993) Scotland Yard Casebook: The Making of the CID 1865-1935. Among the hundreds of bodies recovered, a Robert Hale Publishing number remained unclaimed. It was whispered Metropolitan Police files on baby farming: Mepo 3/92 and Mepo 3/96. that if you had a body you need to get rid of, The National Archives Rose L (1986) The Massacre of the this was a good time and place to do so Innocents: Infanticide in Great Britain 1800-1939. Routledge, Keegan Paul

Journal of the Islington Archaeology & History Society Spring 2013 Vol 3 No 1 19 Publications and bookshop

The walk is upstream but, A New River Head guide from 1927, a regardless of which way you London Underground history by museum follow the route, you’ll find experts and the tale of a notorious pubs the end. fraudster are reviewed here Little Italy. The Story of London’s Italian Quarter Tudor Allen 53 Cross Street. Biography By the time he left Cross Call for price; Camden Local of a House Street, he had a remarkably Studies and Archive Centre Mary Cosh and Martin King, complete record of the decor In the 19th century, so many photographs by Pauline Lord of the house. Italians lived in the area £20 + £1.90 p&p, hardback, between Farringdon Road, Islington Archaeology & An Historical Walk Through Holborn and Gray’s Inn History Society Barnsbury Road that it became known This book is a must for Mary Cosh known – and unusual as Little Italy. anyone interested in historic £4.50 + 69p p&p, Islington features such as sphinxes This publication tells tales decor. Archaeology & History Society guarding a door. of “ice cream, organ grinders It traces the history of 53 Lots of twists and turns in and monkeys, hokey-pokey Cross Street from 1785 this walk that starts at An Historical Walk Along men [ice cream sellers], when it was built, to gaining Angel. It starts with through the New River murder, gangsters and a floor and losing half its Chapel Market, a street of Mary Cosh spectacular processions”. back garden for St Mary’s professionals that became £5 + 69p p&p, IAHS church hall, through various the most crowded market in This historical walk along Discover Be Beauvoir Town types of occupation and London, boasting 30 drapery the route of the New River, and Environs ownership. stalls in 1893, to the start of from the New River Head at David Mander and Isobel Martin King, who moved Barnsbury proper, at the site Sadler’s Wells, takes a few Watson here in 1990, became of former pleasure gardens, diversions, going through £1.50 + 69p fascinated by the house’s with trade union and market Clissold Park and past the p&p, Friends history, and uncovered history. See the classic wonderful Victorian of Hackney many original features, houses and squares for pumping station known as Archives including paintwork of 1785. which Barnsbury is best Stoke Newington Castle. This A5 booklet $ describes a Publications order form (photocopies acceptable) walk that takes in two delightful town Name ...... squares, a canal towpath, plenty of interesting Address ...... architecture and a cosmopolitan street scene...... It is a walk of contrasts, from the bustle of Kingsland Tel no/email (if we need to contact you about your order) ...... Road to the leafy tranquillity of Albion Square, and from Title(s)of publication Cost towering edifices to bijou villas. The booklet contains ...... modern and historical ...... pictures.

...... All books on this page can Total cost ...... be ordered using the form – for more than one item Please make cheques payable to “Islington Archaeology & History Society”; send this or for trade orders, call form (photocopies acceptable) to IAHS, 8 Wynyatt Street, London EC1V 7HU 020 7833 1541

20 Journal of the Islington Archaeology & History Society Winter 2012/13 Vol 2 No 4 Underground. How the the decades. The King’s Cross Fraudster. Tube Shaped London The artistic history is Leopold Redpath, his Life David Bownes, Oliver Green traced, with Leslie Green’s and Times and Sam Mullins oxblood red stations, Charles David A Hayes and Marian £25, hardback, 288pp, Penguin Holden’s art deco designs Kamlish The book tells the story of and Frank Pick’s signs and £9.99 + £2.50 p&p via www. the Underground and how it maps; a poster from 1933 camdenhistorysociety.org, made London the city it is urges: “The latest in railway Camden History Society today. It runs from its station architecture. Come This book is a “real corker”, Victorian beginnings, and see it.” as Camden History Society through the days of suburban More recently, a publications editor Dr Peter ambition and Metro-land hitherto unseen sources, as photograph shows just how Woodford and the Second World War you would expect from the narrow the platform says. to the London Overground authors – former London between the lines of Angel The story and Crossrail works. Transport Museum head station was. The new station is of The tube’s history is told curator David Bownes, has the longest escalators on Leopold through the stories of director Sam Mullins and the system; the spiral Redpath, entrepreneurs, architects, Oliver Green, the museum’s escalator, built at Holloway one of the politicians, passengers, first curator, then head Road but never adopted, is greatest engineers, financiers, curator and now research also described. embezzlers designers and social fellow. The authors have delivered of the 19th century, and this reformers, against a It is a fine pictorial history, both a fascinating, thorough publication tells of his rise changing political and social with photographs, maps, history, and something that from a poverty-stricken backdrop. illustrations and, of course, can be dipped in and out of childhood through to his A wealth of detail is given, Harry Beck’s classic tube at leisure. eventual arrest, conviction some drawn on rare and map and posters spanning Christy Lawrance and transportation to Australia and his life there. He hobnobbed with the Dead upper-crust residents show Heritage Works great and the good, posing Image their resentment at being English Heritage, with the as a wealthy, affable Joan Lock quizzed by a mere rozzer, British Property Federation, the philanthropist, when all the £7.99, while the servant classes Royal Institution of Chartered time he was relieving his Mystery treat Best with equal Surveyors and Deloitte employers, the Great Press. suspicion. Free, www.english-heritage.org. Northern Railway, of many Available The cargo had been uk/publications/heritage-works/ thousands of pounds, worth from the loaded at City Road Wharf, Heritage Works is a step-by- £20 million in today. IAHS and the ice house now in step guide on the Redpath had many Inspector the King’s Cross canal regeneration of the historic positions in the ever- Best travels the streets of museum also features, so for environment and heritage expanding Victorian Victorian London solving Islington readers there is buildings for developers, business world. The one that crimes just as the modern some familiar territory. owners, practitioners and took him on a path of city takes shape. There are a couple of community groups. embezzlement started in He can ride on the new stylistic surprises – Best It has been 1847, when he worked in Metropolitan Railway and breaks into Italian several updated to the share registration send telegrams but, in other dozen pages before we learn cover new department of the GNR as respects, works in a still that his mother was from national chief clerk. unmechanised London of Italy – and there is an planning By 1850 Redpath – still a horse cabs and gaslights. implausible coincidence policy clerk on £160 a year – had No review of a detective around the discovery of  guidance. purloined more than book should give away the a body. This £16,000 from his employers, plot. Suffice to say, the story A good read none the less publication looks at enabling him to rise slowly concerns an “extra” dead and an atmospheric planning heritage-led in society and to entertain in body found when a canal invocation of a past age. regeneration, issues to his luxurious houses. cargo boat’s load of Mark Smulian consider when assessing I had to read it twice to gunpowder explodes on the l Dead Born and Dead Image heritage properties, take in his complicated and Regent’s Canal, demolishing by Joan Lock are both planning and integrating the near-profitable life. Even a chunk of St John’s Wood stocked by the IAHS. historic environment into when he ended up in in the process. l See page 18 to read how new developments. Australia he… but no, I will We are then drawn into a Joan Lock carries out Case studies show how let the reader find out – and world of late-Victorian class research for her historical heritage-based regeneration enjoy it all as much as I did. tensions as the suburb’s crime novels. can work in practice. Peter Fuller

Journal of the Islington Archaeology & History Society Winter 2012/13 Vol 2 No 4 21 The New formal tone, and in that but also in the Metropolitan Manor Gardens Centre River Head some of the photographs of Water Board’s preservation 1913-2013. A Century of GF Stringer buildings have been of the Oak Room: “The Oak Service in Community £10 + £1.40 retouched. Room excites the admiration Health and Social Care p&p, It begins with a of all who see it. It is Andrew Turton Amwell description of the site and handsomely decorated with £12.50 + £2 Society, buildings, before moving oak wainscoting, the whole p&p, Manor sponsored through the tortuous of the sides from floor to Gardens Centre, by Thames Water, info@ journey of the plans for the ceiling being of thick black 6-9 Manor amwell.org.uk New River. Sir Hugh oak…. Much of the carving Gardens, N7 This is a facsimile of the Myddelton encountered in this Oak Room – one of 6LA, 020 7272 1927 Some Descriptive Notes resistance to his proposed the delights of connoisseurs, 423, www. on the New River Head, scheme, and it needed and certainly unique of its manorgardenscentre.org reprinted to mark both the backing from the king to kind – is reputed to be the This book marks the 400th anniversary of the succeed. work of Grinling Gibbons.” centenary of Manor Gardens New River and the Amwell As a company history, the This chapter is illustrated Centre. The centre was Society’s 40th anniversary. book covers the finances, with close-up photographs founded by Florence Keen It describes itself as a shares, governance and of the carvings, showing in to improve family health at a ”handy guide” for people technical details – including intricate detail every leaf  time when many babies visiting the new the replacement of stone and feather. died before reaching their headquarters of the and wooden water pipes The Oak Room was first birthday. Metropolitan Water Board. with cast iron ones. moved to the water board’s Volunteers provided a This reprint gives a The books is illustrated new offices “without “school for mothers”, which political, technical, with paintings, photographs, damage” and the ceiling “not offered advice and support architectural and human drawings and maps. cut in any way, and moved to less privileged mothers in history of the New River Corporate pride is evident in one piece by a crane” preventing death and Head. This reprint’s age is not only in the story of which must have been an disease in children. apparent in its somewhat bringing water to London, extraordinary feat. From the outset, the emphasis was on education and self-help. Services Britain in Old Photographs: occasional car. expanded to include Islington Children  Book reviewers wanted dentistry, an eye clinic and Islington: the Second play in the Are you interested in keep-fit classes. Selection streets, and reviewing books for the Sunlight treatment for Gavin Smith architecture  Journal? rickets was seen as an £12.99 + £1.40 p&p, History is on a human If so, please contact invaluable service, as most Press, available from the scale. editor Christy Lawrance local people lived in Islington Archaeology & The second collection on [email protected]. overcrowded homes. History Society shows changes in transport, Let us know if you have Additional services, These two books show how architecture and industry, any particular area of including family planning, Islington has changed from the introduction of interest or expertise. marriage guidance through old photographs street lamps to the counselling and health and postcards. Text gives appearance of fashionable visiting, were added over  detail to each picture. shops on Holloway Road 1930s and the years. Britain in Old Photographs: and the replacement of horse the Second Last year, Islington Islington starts trams with electric trams. World War residents voted for Florence in the 1860s. in the Keen to be commemorated Roads are busy Only Bricks and Mortar notorious with a green plaque, which with horse- Harry Walters council will be unveiled this year. buses, motor- Islington Archaeology & History tenements The book, by Manor buses, trains Society, £7.99 + £1.40 p&p know as Gardens’ chairman, is and the A tale of boyhood in the the illustrated with colour and Cottages in Popham Road. black and white It paints a memorable photographs and line Journal back issues picture of working class life, drawings, and all proceeds We have some previous issues of this journal available. lives transformed by the war go to the centre. and the demolition of the l A Short, Remarkable Road, Some have sold out, so please contact Catherine flats in 1978, which was a brief history of Manor Brighty on 020 7833 1541 to find out if we have the influenced to some degree Gardens by Andrew Turton, issue you would like in stock by the filming there of Cathy appeared in the spring 2012 Come Home. issue of the Journal.

22 Journal of the Islington Archaeology & History Society Winter 2012/13 Vol 2 No 4 Publications from the Islington Archaeology & History Society Historical maps and postcards Alan Godfrey The society stocks books, postcards, maps and more – including £2.50 each + 50p p&p Union Chapel mugs (right). We sell them at our meetings, Wonder what your manor as well as at public events and local festivals. looked like 100 years ago or in the middle of the 19th Listed below are some of the items we stock. Where century? no price is given, please call Catherine Brighty on  The society stocks 020 7833 1541. historical and old Ordnance Survey maps of Islington and other areas of London. Maps can sell out quickly, Title Author Price p&p Total so call 020 7833 1541 first to (£) (£) (£) reserve yours. Angus McBean in Islington Mary Cosh, ed 4.50 0.69 5.19 Church Design for Congregations James Cubitt 11.00 1.40 12.40 We have the following maps in stock: Cinemas of Haringey Jeremy Buck 9.99 1.40 5.19 Clerkenwell, King’s Cross The Contexting of a Chapel Architect: Clyde Binfield 18.00 1.90 19.9 and The Angel: 1871, 1894, James Cubitt 1836-1912 1914 Criminal Islington Keith Sugden, ed 5.00 1.40 6.40 Dalston: 1913 53 Cross Street. Biography of a House Mary Cosh and Martin 20.00 1.90 21.90 Highbury & Islington: 1874, King 1894, 1914, Upper Holloway: 1869, 1894, Dead Born Joan Lock 7.99 2.20 1914 Dead Image Joan Lock 7.99 2.20 Pentonville and The Angel: Discover Be Beauvoir Town and Mike Gray, Isobel Watson 1.50 0.69 5.19 1871 (pictured) Environs Finsbury Square and Circus: 1873 Discover Stoke Newington. A Walk David Mander and Isobel Finsbury Park and Stroud Through History Watson Green: 1894, 1912 Discover Stoke Newington. A Walk Friends of Hackney 4.95 0.69 6.65 Bethnal Green and Bow: Through History Archive 1870, 1894, 1914 Dissent & the Gothic Revival Bridget Cherry, ed Euston and Regent’s Park: An Historical Walk Along the New Mary Cosh 5.00 0.69 6.69 1894, 1913 River Gospel Oak: 1894, 1912 Hackney: 1870, 1893, 1913 An Historical Walk Through Mary Cosh 4.50 0.69 5.19 Highgate: 1869, 1894, 1913 Barnsbury Holborn and The City: 1895 The History of Highbury Keith Sugden 3.00 1.40 5.40 Holborn, The Strand & The Islington’s Cinemas & Film Studios Chris Draper 5.00 1.40 6.40 City: 1873, 1914 Islington: Britain in Old Photographs Gavin Smith 12.99 1.40 14.39 Hornsey: 1894, 1912 King’s Cross and St Pancras: Islington: the Second Selection Gavin Smith 12.99 1.40 14.39 1871, 1893 Islington’s Cinemas & Film Studios Chris Draper 5.00 1.40 5.40 Kentish Town and Camden: Little Italy. The Story of London’s Tudor Allen 1870, 1913 Italian Quarter Lower Clapton: 1913, 1894, 1868 London Cat 1 James Dowsing 3.50 0.69 4.19 : 1894 London Cat 2 James Dowsing 4.50 0.69 5.19 Stoke Newington: 1868, London Dog James Dowsing 3.50 0.69 4.19 1894, 1914 Only Bricks and Mortar Harry Walters 7.99 1.40 8.49 Shoreditch: 1872, 1914 Stamford Hill 1868, 1894 The Squares of Islington Part II. Mary Cosh 7.50 1.40 7.90 Stepney and Limehouse: Islington Parish 1914 The West End: 1870, 1894, Other items 1914 Maps 2.50 0.50 3.00 Whitechapel, Spitalfields and the Bank: 1873, 1913, Union Chapel mug 6.00 2.20 6.90 1894

Journal of the Islington Archaeology & History Society Winter 2012/13 Vol 2 No 4 23 What’s on Events, exhibitions, courses, walks and more. Contact details of organisers are in the directory on page 28 – events may change or need advance booking. Islington Archaeology & History Society events are listed on the inside back page

29 March, 6.30-10pm Monday 8 April, 2-3pm Waste and Recycling in Saturday 13 April, 2pm Friday Late: Eat, Ride, Exploring Spitalfields 19th-Century London Engineering on the Thames Sleep, Repeat Talk by Tim Kidd. Talk by D Peter Hounsell. Cruise looking at Celebration of design Free, London Metropolitan £1.50, Union Church Hall, engineering landmarks inspired by the bicycle. Archives corner of Ferme Park Road including the Dome, the Free, Victoria & Albert and Weston Park, N8 9PX. and Lyle sugar refinery and Museum Tuesday 9 April, 2-3pm Hornsey Historical Society Crossness sewage works. The Huguenot Silk Weavers: £35.50. No children under 7. Wednesday 3 April, 11am-12pm from Riches to Rags Wednesday 10 April, 6-8pm http://open-city.org.uk/ Use LMA – Get Started Free, Guildhall Library Inconvenient People: activities/yearround/boat.html How to get the best out of Lunacy, Liberty and the the research facilities Tuesday 9 April Mad-Doctors in Victorian Saturday 13 April, 2pm Free, London Metropolitan Nautical Archaeology – England The Day Parliament Burned Archives, book on 020 7332 Past, Present and Future £5 including wine reception, Down 3851 Talk by Mark Beattie- Guildhall Library, book on Talk by Dr Caroline Shenton. Edwards, Nautical 020 7332 1870 £3/free, Senate House, Malet Wednesday 3 April, 2-3pm Archaeology Society. Street, WC1E 7HU. The History and Treasures 8pm, , 17 East Wednesday 10 April, 5.45pm Historical Association, 020 of Guildhall Library End Road, N3. and PLUTO – Lifeblood for 7323 1192, email chrissie@ See unique and rare material. District Archaeological Society D Day and Beyond ganjou.com Free, Guildhall Library, book Lecture by Alan Green. on 020 7332 1868 Wednesday 10 April, 2-3pm Newcomen Society, Fellows’ Saturday 13 and Sunday 14 Tracing Your Huguenot Room, Science Museum April, 11am-5pm Wednesday 3 April, 6-7.30pm Ancestors We Love Steam! LGBT History Club Free, London Metropolitan Thursday 11 April, 2-3pm Spring open weekend at Regular drop-in meeting to Archives, book on 020 7332 Behind the Scenes Tour London Transport Museum’s explore gay, lesbian, bisexual 3851 at LMA depot, with the Metropolitan and transgender histories. Free, London Metropolitan steam locomotive no 1 in Free, London Metropolitan Wednesday 10 April, 8pm Archives, book on 020 7332 steam and Metropolitan Archives The Alchemy of Dust – 3851 carriage 353. Steam rides on the miniature railway, films, Wednesday 3 April, 12pm workshops, talks and book How to Create the Perfect Union Chapel tours signings, plus the Ffestiniog Wife Railway’s narrow gauge Talk by Wendy Moore on train Prince. Thomas Day, who tried to Visitors to the Union Chapel rarely £10/£8, book on 020 7565 educate two orphan girls to have the chance to appreciate fully 7298 or www.ltmuseum.co.uk become marriage material in the beauty, complex architecture, the 18th century. and extent of the grade I listed Wednesday 17 April, 2pm £5/£3.50, Benjamin Franklin buildings. From a secret passage to a The Everyday Heroes of House, book on 020 7925 hidden garden, there is much the Postman’s Park 1405, info@ public doesn’t usually see. Talk by John Price, with a BenjaminFranklinHouse.org Guided tours of around an hour are held on the first guided visit to the memorial Sunday of the month at 12.15pm. We can also arrange afterwards. Thursday 4 April, 7.30pm more detailed, longer tours and group tours, as well as Free, Guildhall Library Boating in the 1950s and tours and discussions tailored to your interest. 1960s Thursday 18 April, 2pm Talk by Colin. A donation of £5 per head is invited towards upkeep. ‘53, ‘63, ‘73 Living It Large £4/concessions, London Book in advance on 020 7359 4019. Talk on late 20th century Canal Museum living in London through

24 Journal of the Islington Archaeology & History Society Winter 2012/13 Vol 2 No 4 décor, furnishings and Fifty-minute tour through architecture. London’s longest canal tunnel. Free, London Metropolitan £8.30/concessions, book Archives, book on 020 7332 ahead, London Canal 3851 Museum

Thursday 18 April, 6-8pm Tuesday 14 May Meeting Their Makers: 10,000 Years of History Encounters With South Beneath Your Feet: the London’s Early Ceramicists Thames Foreshore and Stoneware Talk by Dr Fiona Haughey. Manufacturers 8pm, Avenue House, 17 East Lecture by Colin Fenn. End Road, N3 8QE. Free, Cuming Museum, Old Hendon and District Walworth Town Hall, SE1, Simone Novotny reveals the lives and stories of the inhabitants of Archaeological Society 020 7525 2332, cuming. 30 of the 700 new homes at the former Arsenal stadium. Stands [email protected] Alone, Geffrye Museum, see page 27 Wednesday 15 May, 6.30pm Henry VIII: Renaissance Thursday 18 April 6.30pm Talk by John Beasley. Thursday 2 May, 7.30pm Monarch Darby Sabini, the Goose Green Centre, The Work of the Waterway Talk by Dr Glenn Richardson. ‘Godfather’ of Clerkenwell St John’s Church, Goose Recovery Group £3/free, Senate House, Malet Talk by crime journalist  Green, East Dulwich Road, Talk by Martin Ludgate and Street, WC1E 7HU. Peter Stubley on Darby SE22. Peckham Society Tim Lewis. Historical Association,  Sabini, an Anglo-Italian £4/concessions, London 020 7323 1192, chrissie@ criminal and notorious Wednesday 24 April, 12pm Canal Museum ganjou.com Clerkenwell gang leader of The Thatched House the 1920s and 1930s, who Petition Sunday 5 May Thursday 16 May, 7.30pm was immortalised as the Talk by Catherine Leitch on London to Brighton Run of Between Worlds: London gangster Colleoni in Graham the petition to King the Historic Commercial and Africa 1500-1833 Greene’s novel Brighton Rock. George III over the Boston Vehicle Society Talk by Miranda Kaufmann Free, Islington Museum Tea Party. Starts at Crystal Palace Park, and Kate Donington. £5/£3.50, Benjamin Franklin 7am-9am. www.hcvs.co.uk £1, Holborn Library, 32-38 Thursday 18 April, 7.30pm House, book on 020 7925 Theobalds Road WC1X 8PA. St Clement’s Hospital, past, 1405, info@Benjamin Wednesday 8 May, 8pm Camden History Society present and future FranklinHouse.org Arthur Morrison and ‘Child Talk by Calum Green. of the Jago’ Friday 17 May, 6pm Latimer Congregational Wednesday 24 April Talk by Stan Newens. Elvis has Left the Building; Church Hall, Ernest Street, E1. Octavia Hill £1.50, Union Church Hall, Behind the Scenes at the East London History Society Talk by Pamela Wright. Crouch End, N8 9PX. Rainbow Theatre 7.45pm, £2, St John’s Church Hornsey Historical Society Talk by Rick Burton, former Thursday 18 April, 7.30pm Hall, Lane. Rainbow Theatre stage Alec Craig, Poet and Friern Barnet & District Wednesday 8 May, 5.45pm manager. A must for rock, Radical Local History Society Engines for the Titanic and reggae and punk music fans. Talk by Richard Espley. After – Insights From a Free, Islington Museum £1, , NW3 1LT. Wednesday 24 April, 2-3pm Ship’s Engineer Camden History Society Focus on Family History Lecture by John Porter. Friday 17 May, 8pm at LMA Newcomen Society, Fellows’ Skeletal Material in the Friday 19 April, 8pm Family history beginners’ Room, Science Museum Museum Excavations and Fieldwork of research workshop. Talk by Jelena Bekvalac, Enfield Archaeology Society Free, London Metropolitan Thursday 9 May, 7.30pm curator, human osteology at 2012; plus AGM Archives, book on 020 7332 Film: Wapping Parents’ the Museum of London. Talk by Dr Martin Dearne 3851 Action Group £1/free, Jubilee Hall,  and Mike Dewbrey. Film introduced by Ray 2 Parsonage Lane, EN2. £1/free, Jubilee Hall,  Friday 26 and Saturday 27 April Newton and John Tarby. Enfield Archaeology Society 2 Parsonage Lane, EN2. Behind the Scenes at the Latimer Congregational Enfield Archaeology Society Museum Depot Church Hall, Ernest Street, E1 Saturday 18 May, noon Tours of London Transport East London History Society Joe Meek Society AGM and Sunday 21 April, 3.30pm Museum’s depot in Acton. Acoustic Session Peckham and Nunhead £12/concessions, book in Sunday 12 May, 11am, 12pm, Metro Bar, 295 Holloway Residents and Visitors: the advance 020 7565 7298 or at 2pm, 3pm and 4pm, Road, N7. Inside Story www.ltmuseum.co.uk Guided Tunnel Boat Trips www.rhis.co.uk/jmas/

Journal of the Islington Archaeology & History Society Winter 2012/13 Vol 2 No 4 25 Exhibitions Tuesday 16 April-Monday 8-21 April 26 August Festival: the Huguenots of 28 March-29 September Stands Alone Spitalfields Life and Death in Pompeii Exhibition about the Walks, talks and other and Herculaneum residents of Highbury events celebrating the silk The cities of Pompeii and Stadium Square, the weaving industry created Herculaneum in southern housing complex at the by the Huguenots, the Italy were buried in 24 hours former Arsenal stadium. French Protestant refugees when volcano Vesuvius Simone Novotny’s who fled Catholic France erupted in AD 79. The photographs, with audio from the 16th century. It is excavation of these cities has and video testimony, also the 250th anniversary given us unparalleled illustrate the difficulties in of the death of Anna Maria insight into daily Roman creating and maintaining a Garthwaite, an outstanding life. The exhibition includes sense of community. See Spitalfields Huguenot houses English textile designer domestic furniture, such as a picture on previous page. who played an important linen chest, an inlaid stool, a £5/£3 concs, Geffrye part in the story of the Spitalfields silk weavers. garden bench and a baby’s Museum. Photographs crib that still rocks on its online at www.eyesof l www.huguenotsofspitalfields.org curved runners. Casts of change.com/standsalone/ some of the victims are on show, including a family of Until 17 April 2013 Saturday 18 May and AGM two adults and two children Cartographies of Life and Canal Museum: Museums Talk by Maggie Radcliffe under the stairs of their villa. Death – John Snow and at Night 7.45pm, £2, St John’s Church £15/concessions, British Disease Mapping Event with late bar; details Hall, Friern Barnet Lane. Museum Exhibition inspired by the to be confirmed. Part of the Friern Barnet & District work of John Snow, who festival of after-hours events Local History Society Until 13 April traced the source of a deadly in museums, galleries and A Woman’s Place cholera outbreak in 1850s heritage sites. Friday 24 and Saturday 25 May Exhibition on role of women London to a water pump in www.culture24.org.uk/ Behind the Scenes at the in the British Armed Forces, . Historical treasures museumsatnight Museum Depot, plus Art from the Second World War and new artworks are and Poster Tours to Afghanistan today, with presented in the style of  Saturday 18 May, from 4.30pm Tours at London Transport items from Firepower’s a disease-mapping trail. The Hunterian Museum’s Museum’s depot in Acton. archives and pictures by Free, Mon-Sat 10am-5pm, Story So Far £12/concessions, book in British photojournalist London School of Hygiene Event to mark 200 years advance on 020 7565 7298 Alison Baskerville, who & Tropical Medicine, Keppel since the Hunterian opened or at www.ltmuseum.co.uk accompanied a troop to Street, WC1E 7HT, www. with lectures, a drinks Afghanistan in 2012. johnsnow.org.uk reception and the launch of Saturday 25-Monday 27 May Firepower: the Royal Medical Museums book. Steam Back on the Met Artillery Museum, Until 25 April Lectures and reception free, Metropolitan steam Woolwich, SE18 6ST, 020 Frozen London Hunterian Museum, book locomotive no 1 to run on 8855 7755, www.firepower. Some of London’s most on 020 7869 6568 the Metropolitan line. org.uk, £5.30/concessions severe winters were Tickets up to £40, London recorded between 1683 and Sunday 19 May Transport Museum Until 14 April 1895. This exhibition looks Art Deco Special Doctors, Dissection and at the Frost Fairs on the 1938 tube trains and the Sunday 26 May, 11am, 12pm, Resurrection Men River Thames, as well as  1920s Sarah Siddons 2pm, 3pm and 4pm Early 19th century history of the problems the severe locomotive will travel to the Guided Tunnel Boat Trips human dissection and the weather caused. Rickmansworth festival. Fifty-minute tour through trade in bodies through London Metropolitan Tickets up to £20, London London’s longest canal evidence unearthed during Archives, free Transport Museum tunnel. Museum of London £8.30/concs, book ahead, Archaeology excavations at Until 5 May Monday 20 May London Canal Museum the Royal London Hospital. Bubbles and Bankruptcy: Ice Well Study Day Includes detailed anatomical Financial Crises in Britain Details to be announced, Thursday 6 June, 7pm models and drawings, and since 1700 London Canal Museum The Quick and the Dead surgical instruments. Not Display looking at Talk by Jane Sidell. suitable for children under speculative frenzy, fraud and Wednesday 22 May St Pancras Church, Pancras 12 or the squeamish. failure from the South Sea The 1960s: the John Road, NW1. Various charges, Museum  bubble to today. It includes Donovan Memorial Lecture www.posp.co.uk of London share certificates, Christine Matthews, geograph.org.uk

26 Journal of the Islington Archaeology & History Society Winter 2012/13 Vol 2 No 4 prospectuses, bank notes where and how were they and other objects to explain were displayed, who visited how, why and when them and the museum’s role financial crises have in surgical education. happened and how society Free, Hunterian Museum has responded with prints, cartoons, badges and art. Until 19 May Barbara Nessim: an Artful 2 May-24 August Life From Colman to Costello: The first solo show in the a History of the Astoria UK of work by Cinema and Rainbow internationally renowned Theatre, Finsbury Park artist and illustrator Barbara From Colman to Costello Nessim. This display takes a trip down movie and presents around 80 works music memory lane to the from the 1960s to the 2000s. halcyon days of this world- Ms Nessim’s work has famous cinema and concert graced the cover of nearly venue. In 1930, the Astoria every major American cinema brought luxury and magazine, and ranges from entertainment to north provocative drawings and London. Later, it became a paintings that represent  Star Girl by Barbara Nessim, at the Victoria & Albert Museum music venue, and the her feminist views to Beatles, the Rolling Stones, advertising campaigns. Enigma never before specimens including giant Frank Sinatra, Jimi Hendrix, Free, Victoria and Albert displayed outside GCHQ. deer and birds. the Who, Frank Zappa and Museum Free, Science Museum Various charges, Natural Miles Davis played here, as History Museum well as notable acts from Until 26 May Until 14 July 2013 1970s reggae, punk and new Ice Age Art: Arrival of the Treasures of the Royal Until 27 October wave scenes. Modern Mind Courts: Tudors, Stuarts and Poster Art 150 – London Free, Islington Museum The world’s oldest known the Russian Tsars Underground’s Greatest sculptures, drawings and Exhibition examining the Designs 10 May-23 August portraits – made 10,000- development of cultural Exhibition of 150 posters, From Hollywood to 40,000 years ago – are diplomacy and trade with a rare opportunity to Highbury: Islington Goes to presented alongside modern between Britain and Russia view letter-press posters the Movies works. They show scale, from its origins in 1555. This from the late 19th century. Explore the history of perspective, volume, light exhibition reveals the £15.00 (includes museum Islington’s cinematic past, and movement, as well as majesty of the royal courts entry for one year)/ from the Cinematograph abstraction and illusion. of Henry VIII to Charles II concessions, London Theatre in Finsbury Park to , £10/ and Ivan IV (Ivan the Transport Museum the People’s Picture Palace concessions Terrible) to the early in Clerkenwell. There have Romanovs. Comprising Until 5 January 2014 been more than 40 picture Until 30 June more than 150 objects, the Music Hall: Sickert and the houses in Islington since Codebreaker – Alan Turing’s exhibition includes heraldry, Three Graces 1896, and this exhibition Life and Legacy processional armour, Installation by theatre looks at their history, along Exhibition to mark the 100th paintings, jewellery makers, video artists and with that of the film studios, anniversary of the birth of furnishings and clothing. designers on the rise and fall technology and the stars. pioneering computer £8/concessions, Victoria and of music hall entertainment. Free, Islington Museum scientist and wartime Albert Museum Oil paintings and sketches codebreaker Alan Turing. On of the Bedford Music Hall in Tuesday 14 May–Saturday show is largest collection of Until 8 September CamdenTown by Walter 9 November Turing artefacts in one place, Extinction: Not the End of Sickert, whose studios were Opened Up: 200 years of including a device used  the World? close to the theatre, will be the Hunterian Museum to break Exploration of the role of displayed together for the Exhibition of collections extinction in evolution, first time. Also on show will of human anatomy and with original be Victorian song sheets, pathology and natural original programmes, comic history, as well as Palaeolithic era fragment of caricatures and delicate works of art. This reindeer bone engraved with cartes de visite. exhibition covers who reindeer image, from Ice Age Free, Victoria & Albert

took care of these items, Art, open until 26 May Museum Albert Museum,/©Nessim and Victoria British Museum;

Journal of the Islington Archaeology & History Society Winter 2012/13 Vol 2 No 4 27 British Postal Museum and Crossness Engines Trust Directory Archive The Old Works, Belvedere Freeling House, Phoenix Road, SE2 9AQ, 020 8311 Place, WC1X 0DL, and store 3711, www.crossness.org.uk History, civic, amenity and archaeology at Debden, Essex, 020 7239 societies, museums and online resouces 2570, minicom 020 7239 257, Docklands History Group [email protected] 020 7537 0368, info@dock landshistorygroup.org.uk British Vintage Wireless Check opening times before Association of Preservation Society Dictionary of Victorian visiting. If you would like Trusts [email protected] London/Cat’s Meat Shop your organisation listed Alhambra House, 27-31 Encyclopaedia and blog, here, contact the editor on Charing Cross Rd, WC2, www. Museum www.victorianlondon.org [email protected] or c/o 6 ukapt.org.uk, 020 7930 1629 Lordship Lane, N17 8NU, Northview, Tufnell Park 020 8808 8772, museum. East London History Society Road, N7 0QB Association for the Study [email protected] 42 Campbell Rd, E3 4DT, mail and Preservation of Roman @eastlondonhistory.org.uk Abney Park Mosaics Burgh House & Hampstead 020 7275 7557,  www.asprom.org Museum Enfield Archaeological Society www.abney-park.org.uk Burgh House, New End Sq, www.enfarchsoc.org NW3 1LT, 020 7431 0144, Alexandra Palace TV Group Threadneedle St, EC2R 8AH, www.burghhouse.org.uk Alexander Fleming Museum Runs museum. Tony Wilding, 020 7601 5545, www.bankof St Mary’s Hospital, Praed St, 71 Dale View Avenue, E4 england.co.uk/museum Camden History Society W2 1NY, 020 3312 6528, 6PJ, 020 8524 0827 020 7586 4436, www. www.imperial.nhs.uk/about and Local camdenhistorysociety.org us/museumsandarchives/ Alexandra Palace TV Society History Society Archives: 35 Breedon Hill Rd, www.barnetmuseum.co.uk Camden New Town History Friends of Avenue House Derby, DE23 6TH, 01332 729 Group 17 East End Road, N3 3QE, 358, [email protected], www. BBC archive www.camdennewtown.info 020 8346 7821, www. youtube.com/aptsarchive www.bbc.co.uk/archive friendsofavenuehouse.org Camden Railway Heritage All Hallows by the Tower Bethlem Royal Hospital Trust Friends of Hackney Archives Crypt Museum Archives and Museum 21 Oppidans Road, NW3 43 De Beauvoir Rd, N1 5SQ 020 7481 2928, www.ahbtt.org. Monks Orchard Road, 3AG [email protected] uk/visiting/crypt-museum/ Beckenham, Kent, BR3 3BX, Friern Barnet & District 020 3228 4227, www. The Canonbury Society Local History Society Amateur Geological Society bethlemheritage.org.uk www.canonburysociety.org. www.friernbarnethistory. 25 Village Road, N3 1TL uk, 1 Alwyne Place, N1 org.uk. Photo archive: www. Bexley Archaeological Group friern-barnet.com Amwell Society www.bag.org.uk, Martin Cartoon Museum 8 Cumberland Gardens, Baker: 020 8300 1752 35 Little Russell Street, Friends of the New River WC1X 9AG, 020 7837 0988, WC1, 020 7580 8155, www. Head [email protected] British Airways Heritage cartoonmuseum.org c/o Amwell Society www.britishairways.com/ Anaesthesia Heritage Centre travel/museum-collection/ City of London The 21 Portland Place, W1B 1PY, public/en_gb Archaeological Society 40 Brunswick Square, WC1, 020 7631 1650, www.aagbi. [email protected] 020 7841 3600, www. org/education/heritage-centre British Dental Association foundlingmuseum.org.uk Museum Clerkenwell and Islington The Angel Association 64 Wimpole St, W1G 8YS, 020 Guides Association Forest Hill Society www.angelassociation.org.uk 7563 4549, museum@bda. 07971 296731, info@ciga. www.foresthillsociety.com org, www.bda.org/museum org.uk Architectural Heritage Fund Friends of Friendless Alhambra House, 27-31 British Heritage TV Group Clockmakers’ Museum Churches Charing Cross Rd, 020 7925 www.405-line.tv/ Guildhall Library, www. www.friendsoffriendless 0199, [email protected] clockmakers.org/museum- churches.org.uk British Museum and-library Arsenal FC Museum Great Russell Street, WC1, Garden History Society 020 7619 5000, www.arsenal. 020 7323 8299, information Cross Bones Graveyard 70 Cowcross St, EC1, 020 7608 com @britishmuseum.org www.crossbones.org.uk/ 2409, gardenhistorysociety.org

28 Journal of the Islington Archaeology & History Society Spring 2013 Vol 3 No 1 Geffrye Museum Joe Meek Society 136 Kingsland Road, E2 8EA www.rhis.co.uk/jmas 020 7739 9893, www. geffrye-museum.org.uk Dr Johnson’s House 17 Gough Square, EC4, Georgian Group www.drjohnsonshouse.org 6 Fitzroy Square, W1T 5DX, [email protected] Kew Bridge Steam Museum Green Dragon Lane, TW8, Gresham College 020 8568 4757, www.kbsm. Free lectures on different org topics. www.gresham.ac.uk Locating London’s Past Greater London Industrial www.locatinglondon.org Archaeology Society (GLIAS) 14 Mount Rd, EN4 9RL, 020 London Canal Museum 8692 8512, www.glias.org.uk 12-13 New Wharf Road, N1 9RT, 020 7713 0836, www. Guildhall Library canalmuseum.org.uk Aldermanbury, EC2V 7HH, 020 7332 1868, textphone London Fire Brigade 020 7332 3803, guildhall. Museum [email protected] 020 8555 1200 x 39894, [email protected]. Hackney Museum uk, www.london-fire.gov.uk/ 1 Reading Lane, E8 1GQ, OurMuseum.asp www.hackney.gov.uk/ cm-museum.htm London Lives 1690-1800 www.londonlives.org The Hackney Society Round Chapel, 1d Glenarm London Metropolitan Road, E5 0LY, 07771 225183, Archives [email protected] 40 Northampton Road, EC1 0HB, 020 7332 3820, ask.lma History of Harringay @cityoflondon.gov.uk, www. www.harringayonline.com/ Ever been on this? It’s now in the London Transport Museum cityoflondon.gov.uk/lma group/historyofharringay Historic Towns Forum St, EC1V 4NB. 9.30am-8pm London & Middlesex Heritage of London Trust www.historictowns forum.org Mon and Thurs (shuts 6pm Archaeological Society 34 Grosvenor Gardens, every other Monday); 020 7814 5734, jkeily@ SW1W 0DH, 020 7730 9472 Honourable Artillery 9.30am-5pm Tues, Fri and Sat; museumoflondon.org.uk, [email protected] Company Museum closed Weds and Sun; closed www.lamas.org.uk City Road, EC1, 020 7382 1pm-2pm; 020 7527 7988; Hendon and District 1541, www.hac.org.uk [email protected], London Museums of Health Archaeology Society www.islington.gov.uk/heritage & Medicine 020 8449 7076, secretary@ Hornsey Historical Society www.medicalmuseums.org hadas.org.uk The Old Schoolhouse, 136 Islington Museum Tottenham Lane, N8 7EL, 245 St John Street, EC1V London Socialist Historians Heritage Group Website for hornseyhistorical.org.uk 4NB, 10am-5pm, closed Group the Chartered Institution of Weds and Sun, 020 7527 http://londonsocialist Building Services Engineers Hunterian Museum 2837, islington.museum@ historians.blogspot.com www.hevac-heritage.org/ RCS, 35-43 Lincoln’s Inn islington.gov.uk, www. Fields, WC2, www.rcseng. islington.gov.uk/museum London Society Heritage of London Trust ac.uk/museums Mortimer Wheeler House, 020 7730 9472, www. Islington Pensioners’ Forum 46 Eagle Wharf Road, N1, heritageoflondon.com Island History Trust 1a Providence Court, www.londonsociety.org.uk Isle of Dogs, 020 7987 6041, Providence Place, N1 0RN Historical Association, [email protected] London Transport Museum Central London Branch Islington Society Piazza, 020 7323 1192, www.history. Islington Local History Centre 35 Britannia Row, N1 8QH, WC2, 020 7379 6344, www.

org.uk, [email protected] Finsbury Library, 245 St John www.islingtonsociety.org.uk ltmuseum.co.uk Christy Lawrance

Journal of the Islington Archaeology & History Society Spring 2013 Vol 3 No 1 29 LT Museum Friends 020 7253 6644, www. Rescue Transport Trust 020 7565 7296, www. museumstjohn.org.uk British Archaeological Trust, Lambeth Rd, SE1, 020 7928 ltmuseum.co.uk/friends 15a Bull Plain, Hertford, SG14 6464, www.transporttrust.com Musical Museum 1DX, 01992 553377, www. London Underground 399 High Street, TW8 0DU, rescue-archaeology.org.uk Twentieth Century Society Railway Society www.musicalmuseum.co.uk 70 Cowcross St, EC1, 020 7250 [email protected] Rotherhithe & Bermondsey 3857, www.c20society.org.uk National Archives Local History Society London & 020 8876 3444, www. [email protected] Union Chapel and Friends Middx Family History Society nationalarchives.gov.uk of the Union Chapel www.lwmfhs.org.uk Royal Air Force Museum Compton Avenue, N1 2XD, National Piers Society 020 8205 2266, www. www.unionchapel.org.uk/ Markfield Beam Engine and www.piers.org.uk rafmuseum.org.uk/london pages/friends.html Museum Markfield Park, N15, 01707 Newcomen Society for the Royal Institute of British Victoria & Albert Museum 873628, [email protected] History of Engineering and Architects (RIBA) Cromwell Rd, SW7, 020 Technology 66 Portland Place, W1B 1AD, 7907 7073, www.vam.ac.uk Mausolea & Monuments Trust 020 7371 4445, office@ www.architecture.com 70 Cowcross St, EC1M, newcomen.com V&A Museum of Childhood www.mmtrust.org.uk/ Science Museum Cambridge Heath Road, E2 Newington Green Action Exhibition Road, SW7 2DD. 9PA, 020 8983 5200 Marx Memorial Library Group www.sciencemuseum.org.uk 37a Clerkenwell Green, EC1 020 7359 6027, www. Victorian Society 0DU, 020 7253 1485, info@ newingtongreen.org.uk Smithfield Trust 020 8994 1019, www. marx-memorial-library.org 70 Cowcross St, EC1, 020 7566 victoriansociety.org.uk New River Action Group 0041, [email protected] Medieval Pottery Research [email protected], Group 020 8292 5987 Sir John Soane’s Museum Hertford House, Manchester www.medievalpottery.org.uk 13 Lincoln’s Inn Fields, Sq, W1M, 020 7563 9500, North London Transport WC2A 3BP, www.soane.org www.wallacecollection.org Society 2 Colville Mews, Lonsdale www.northlondontransport Society of Genealogists Wallpaper History Society Road, W11, 020 7908 0880, society.co.uk, [email protected] 14 Charterhouse Buildings, wallpaperhistorysociety.org.uk [email protected] Goswell Road, EC1M 7BA, Northview – a Rare Survivor 020 7251 8799, www. Walthamstow Historical Museum of Domestic Design www.northview.org.uk societyofgenealogists.com Society & Architecture (MoDA) 37 Chewton Road, E17 020 8411 4394, www.moda. Pauper Lives in Georgian Society for the Protection 7DW, contact@walthamstow mdx.ac.uk/home London of Ancient Buildings historicalsociety.org http://research.ncl.ac.uk/ 37 Spital Sq, E1 6DY, 020 Museum of London pauperlives 7377 1644, www.spab.org.uk 150 , EC2Y 183 Euston Road, NW1 2BE, 5HN, 020 7814 5511, info@ Petrie Museum of Egyptian Southwark and Lambeth 020 7611 2222 museumoflondon.org.uk Archaeology Archaeology Society (SLAS) UCL, Malet Pl, WC1, www. 79 Ashridge Crescent, SE18 John Wesley’s House and Museum of London ucl.ac.uk/museums/petrie Museum of Methodism Archaeology St Marylebone Society 49 City Rd, EC1, www.wesleys Mortimer Wheeler House,  Peckham Society www.stmarylebonesociety.org chapel.org.uk/museum.htm 46 Eagle Wharf Road, N1, 020 www.peckhamsociety.org.uk 7410 2200, www.museum Royal Archaeological Institute oflondonarchaeology.org.uk Proceedings of the Old [email protected] Lloyd Park, Forest Road, E17 Bailey 4PP, 020 8496 4390, www. Museum of London www.oldbaileyonline.org Thames Discovery Programme wmgallery.org.uk Docklands Mortimer Wheeler House, West India Quay, E14 4AL, Ragged School Museum 46 Eagle Wharf Road, N1, Wilmington Square Society 020 7001 9844, www.museum 020 8980 6405, www. 020 7566 9310, enquiries@ www.thewilmington oflondon.org.uk/docklands raggedschoolmuseum.org.uk thamesdiscovery.org squaresociety.org

Museum of the Order of Railway Correspondence Tottenham Civic Society Women’s Library Collection St John and Travel Society www.tottenhamcivicsociety. www.londonmet.ac.uk/ St John’s Gate, EC1M 4DA, www.rcts.org.uk org.uk thewomenslibrary

30 Journal of the Islington Archaeology & History Society Spring 2013 Vol 3 No 1 Islington Archaeology & History Society Events

Wednesday 17 April 150 Years of the London Underground Annual general meeeting Speakers: Lester Hillman and Andrew Gardner The annual general meeting of the Islington 8pm, Islington Town Hall, Upper Street, London N1 Archaeology & History Society will be held at 7.30pm, Islington Town Hall, Upper Street, Andrew Gardner, chairman of the society, has long had a London N1 2UD fascination with the underground, various plans for it both completed and aborted, and its cartography. He was in the driver’s cab on the last passenger service to .

Lester Hillman, the society’s academic adviser, has long been Walk: George Orwell’s Islington involved with transport infrastructure in London, most notably around St Pancras for various organisations. George Orwell was at his most prolific during his time in Islington. Wednesday 15 May He was living at From Islington to Central Europe 27b Canonbury Square when Animal Farm was Speaker: Dr Thomas Lorman published. While in 8pm, Islington Town Hall, Upper Street, London N1 Canonbury, he drafted Nineteen Eighty-Four, Orwell’s press Dr Thomas Lorman has held lecturing posts in history at published numerous essays card picture, University College London and the University of Cincinnatti. and articles, and broadcast taken in 1933 His research interests include British relations with Central extensively. Europe in the 19th and 20th centuries, particularly Hungary. The tour takes in locations that inspired Orwell. It also includes links to Arthur Koestler, John Betjeman, Malcolm Wednesday 18 June Muggeridge and the Bloomsbury Set. People and Planning in Islington from the The walk itself takes about 90 minutes, with an additional hour for questions, 1960s to the 1980s answers and debate over tea or coffee, or ale Speaker: David Ellis at one of Orwell’s favourite pubs. 8pm, Islington Town Hall, Upper Street, London N1 Cost £8/£7 concessions David Ellis is a PhD student working on contemporary British Dates and times are flexible history, including community action in urban Britain. Email: [email protected]

This talk will follow the AGM at 7.30pm.

Wednesday 18 September The New River Company, 400 years on Speaker from the Friends of the New River Head 8pm, Islington Town Hall, Upper Street, London N1

Non-members are always welcome at talks – we invite a £1 donation from non-members towards the speaker’s expenses.

The Islington Archaeology & History Society meets 10 times a year, usually on the third Wednesday of each month

Wikimedia Commons Wikimedia at 8pm, at Islington Town Hall, Upper Street, N1. Check our website at www.iahs.org.uk for updates

Journal of the Islington Archaeology & History Society Spring 2013 Vol 3 No 1 31 The Journal of the Islington Archaeology & History Society Back page picture

Steam returned to Farringdon Station this year, generated by the 1898 Metropolitan locomotive no 1, to mark 150 years since the Metropolitan Railway Company opened the first underground railway in the world in London

Leslie Blake Christy Lawrance