About Islington
Welcome to Islington
Few London boroughs are as full of contrast and character as Islington, with its unique blend of beautiful Georgian architecture, striking post-War housing estates, buzzy nightlife and thriving shopping districts.
The heart of the area is Angel, which sits at the intersection of the main routes to Highbury (to the north), King's Cross (west), the City of London (east) and Farringdon (south).
Today, Angel is one of the livelist and trendiest spots in north London for shopping, eating and drinking out, theatre-going and general socialising.
From left to right: Highbury Fields, Upper Street southern end, Upper Street middle.
10 great things to do in Islington
1. Go on a shopping spree in Upper Street
2. Have a picnic in Highbury Fields
3. Visit Camden Passage antiques market
4. Watch a play at The Almeida Theatre
5. Have a meal at a local gastropub
6. See an Arsenal match at Emirates Stadium
7. Go to the ballet at Sadler's Wells
8. Check out the Farmer's Market behind the Town Hall
9. Take in a film at The Screen on the Green
10. Browse the Estorick Collection of Modern Italian Art
History of Islington
The name Islington is derived from Giseldone, which means Gisla's Hill (although we're still not sure who Gisla was) and it's been a recorded area since around the year 1000.
Thanks to its proximity to the City of London, Islington became populated with many wealthy families of bankers, lawyers and such in the 19th Century, which in turn gave rise to the lovely Georgian houses that are now the pride of the borough.
Islington suffed badly during the Blitz of the Second World War, when bombs destroyed many properties and left huge gaps all over the borough. Lots went on to be filled with classic 1950s-60s council estates, many of which still remain. Generally the borough was considered to be a typical example of a run-down inner-London area desperately in need of major regeneration.
Then along came the 1980s, Yuppies and gentrification. Islington soon was back on the map as a trendy place to live. Famously Tony Blair moved in around that time and only left when he had an even more exclusive address to move to - No. 10 Downing Street.
Islington on the Web
