Clerkenwell (pronounced "clarkenwell") is a locality 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 remains visible, 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. (The Blessed Gerard founded the Order in order to give medical assistance during the crusades.) St John's Gate (built by Sir Thomas Docwra in 1504) survives in the rebuilt form of the Priory Gate. The Charterhouse, near the boundary with the City of London, once served as a Carthusian monastery. The Charterhouse later became a school and almshouse, which latter still remains.
Before Clerkenwell became a built-up area, it had a reputation 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.
Clerkenwell Green and St James' church
The Industrial Revolution changed the area was greatly. It became a centre for breweries, distilleries and the printing industry. It gained an especial reputation for the making of clocks and watches , which activity once employed many people from around the area. Flourishing craft workshops still carry on some of the traditional trades, such as jewellery-making. The owners of many former industrial buildings have recently converted them into loft dwellings.
Clerkenwell Green lies 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 probably gives the appearence of one of the better-preserved village centres close to central London.
Clerkenwell contains the headquarters of the newspaper The Guardian, of Amnesty International and of the Mount Pleasant postal sorting office, the largest in London.
The first gastropub, The Eagle, opened in Clerkenwell in 1991.
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Last updated: 10-23-2005 14:51:00
