Saturday 21 October saw 12 members and friends assembling at The Angel, Islington to join Brother Leo Zanelli – Provincial Grand Master and a London Guide – for a two-hour stroll.
At Islington Green, Brother Leo explained the history of Sir Hugh Myddleton who was the driving force for the New River, an ambitious scheme to bring fresh water to London in the early 17th century. His statue stands on the edge of the green.
Then it was on to the Collins Music Hall, now unfortunately a Waterstones Book Shop, but still showing signs of its previous existence.
Next it was along Colebrooke Row where Bro Leo explained that the New River had now been culverted and a pleasant green space now. He also told us a story about a clergyman visiting Charles Lamb at his home in Colebrooke Row.
Crossing City Road, Bro Leo told us about the history of the clock made by John Smith, which stands on an island between City Road and Goswell Road. For years the clock told the same time. Now it has been restored by the original firm that built it
Soon we were in Owen Fields to hear the story of how Alice Wilkes narrowly escaped death in fields near this spot and subsequently, as Alice Owen, founded almshouses. This small green area commemorated that event.
At New River Head we saw where the water that came from springs near Ware in Hertfordshire, was pumped into central London. Now much of the area is laid out as the Nautilus Gardens.
On past Myddleton Square, we were soon up to the Pentonville Road where we saw the site of The Angel public house that gave its name to this part of Islington.
Finally, we looked at the Candid Arts Centre where the owners decided that it would be an idea to mount the front end of a theatrical horse on the front wall.
Our thanks to Brother Leo Zanelli for his interesting stories on this entertaining walk.
