Centred around Myddelton Square Gardens and the Sadler Well’s Theatre, Rosebery Avenue bisects this neighbourhood, dividing it into two parts, this section of Islington is a somewhat leafier and more residential region of central London. Composed predominantly of Georgian architecture, this quieter patch of the inner city is by no means cheap, with house prices stretching well above the London average, resulting in the area being occupied mostly by wealthier individuals who work in the city’s financial district. That is not to say that the area has nothing to offer anyone else, however, as there is an excellent selection of pubs that are tucked-away enough to avoid the after-work squeeze.

Myddelton Square was constructed between 1822 and 1843, along with the church, St. Mark’s, in the centre. The square gets its name from Sir Hugh Myddelton who was the founder of the New River Company. The company built an artificial waterway in 1613 to supply London with fresh drinking water taken from the River Lea, and soon after built Myddelton Square along with Amwell Street, River Street, Mylne Street, and Chadwell Street. In an attempt to keep the waterway clean for this neighbourhood area, the New River Company enacted a royal charter, making it an offence to throw rubbish or carrion into the waterway, or wash clothes within it. The charter stated that anyone found doing so would incur “the King’s displeasure”. This charter proved effective, and when London’s population exceeded 1 million in the mid-19th century, the New River was found to be the cleanest water supply in London.

George Cruikshank famously lived at 69-71 Amwell Street in this neighbourhood, who illustrated many of Charles Dickens’ books. Cruikshank also produced a great deal of paintings and illustrations that mocked British culture, including the royal family and leading politicians of the time. His works were so widely seen that he received a £100 bribe from the royal family in 1820 so that he would agree “not to caricature His Majesty in any immortal situation”. Over his lifetime he created over 10,000 paintings and illustrations, many of which were strikingly characterised by fervent patriotism and crude racism, resulting in a controversial legacy.

Islington was named by the Saxons in 1005 C.E. The original name was Giseldone, then Gislandune, which later mutated into Isledon, before becoming Islington in the 17th century.

Douglas Adams based some of the characters in Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy on a number of people that he met in Islington. The character Hotblack Desiato was allegedly named after a well-known real estate agent who lived in the area.

The main downside of this neighbourhood area is that housing prices are much higher than the London average, and are likely to continue to climb further now the Elizabeth Line has opened a few minutes walk south of here at Farringdon Station.

However, the closest tube station is still Angel, which is set to receive a range of enhancements to reduce crowding on the Northern line, connect up with other underground services, and provide step-free access to the station’s platforms at street level. The local council also acknowledges the distinctiveness of this neighbourhood area, and aims to preserve the local character as it moves forward with the implementation of new policies. These include improving movement through this neighbourhood area, repairing fragmented urban forms, and redeveloping a number of disused buildings. The recently completed commercial scheme at 56-60 Rosebery square is just one example of such development.