Clerkenwell

From open-encyclopedia.com - the free encyclopedia.

Clerkenwell (pronounced "clarkenwell") is a place in London, England in the southermost part of the London Borough of Islington.

Clerkenwell has a long history. It took its name from the Clerk's Well in Farringdon Lane. In the Middle Ages, the London Parish clerks performed annual mystery plays there, based on biblical themes. Part of the well may still be seen, incorporated into a later (19th or perhaps early 20th century) building called Well Court.

Clerkenwell had strong monastic traditions. The nuns of St Mary's, Clerkenwell, lived on the site of the present St James' Parish Church. The Monastic Order of the Knights Hospitallers of St John of Jerusalem had its English headquarters in Clerkenwell. It was founded to give medical assistance during the crusades. St John's Gate (built by Sir Thomas Docwra in 1504) is still there, in the rebuilt form of the Priory Gate. The Charterhouse, near the boundary with the City of London, was a Carthusian monastery. The Charterhouse later became a school and almshouse, which latter still remains.

Before Clerkenwell became a built up area, it was famous as a resort where Londoners could disport themselves at its spas, tea gardens and theatres. Sadler's Wells has survived, after rebuilding, as heir to this tradition.

The area was greatly changed by the Industrial Revolution. It became a centre for breweries, distilleries and the printing industry. It was best known for clock and watch making, which once employed many people from around the area. Flourishing craft workshops still carry on some of the traditional trades, such as jewellery making. Many former industrial buildings have recently been converted into loft dwellings.

Clerkenwell Green is at the centre of the old village, by the church, and has a mix of housing, offices and pubs. In conveying some impression of its history it is probably one of the better-preserved vilage centres this close to central London.

Clerkenwell contains the headquarters of the Guardian Newspaper, Amnesty International and Mount Pleasant postal sorting office, the largest in London.

The first gastropub, The Eagle, opened in Clerkenwell in 1991.

Nearest places:

• St Pancras
• Finsbury
• Bloomsbury
• Holborn
• Smithfield
• Barbican Estate and Barbican Arts Centre

Nearest tube station:

• Farringdon station

External links

• Map of Clerkenwell
• Description and history of Clerkenwell from an 1868 Gazetteer:
• Location of the Clerk's Well