Originally called “Gisla’s hill” by the Saxons in the 11th century, it finally became Islington in the 17th century. The area formed part of the Great North Road from Aldersgate, along what’s now Upper Street to the toll road up Highgate Hill.

In the 16th century, Islington was the rural bolt-hole for the rich & famous from the City & Westminster and famed for its delicious fresh vegetables. Whereas, the many Inns in the area became refuge for highwaymen. Among the more notorious was the Angel Inn, which now has an area named after it.

A century later, Islington became the supplier of clean water to London carrying water from Sadlers Wells and Clerkenwell. This connection with water continued with the Building of the Regent’s Canal in 1828, that passes through Islington.

Islington’s main landmark is The Royal Agricultural Hall built in 1862 on Liverpool Road and is now called the ‘Business Design Centre’. The hall was constructed for the annual Smithfield Show & remained London’s main exhibition centre until Earl’s Court took over. Many music halls and theatres were established around Islington Green. One such was Collins’ Music Hall, where all the greats trod the boards such as Marie Lloyd, George Formby and Norman Wisdom. Also of note is the Screen on the Green art-house cinema which opened in 1913 and it is one of the UK’s oldest continuously running cinemas.