London Photo Gallery - Clerkenwell

Clerkenwell is a neighbourhood in the borough of Islington just a stone's throw from the City. The area has a strong religious history with a priory from the Knights of St. John and a nunnery for St. Mary. After Henry VIII forced them to close, the aristocrats moved in, and later artisans. In the mid-17th century, many Huguenots settled here. A wave of Italian immigration during the 19th and early 20th century changed the face of the neighbourhood. Today, there are various sites of interest scattered in the area, which is a little off-the-beaten track and away from the tourist crowds. The Museum of the Order of St. John traces through the organization's history that leads to their role today as St. John Ambulance. In the 1140s. the priory was established here as the English headquarters of the Order. However, as the Anglican church took over and shut the Order, the buildings were put into various uses. The modern Order of St. John was re-established by Royal Charter in 1888. The museum is just next to the Tudor gate from the early 16th century that served as the priory's entrance. Across the street, St, John Priory Church is not open to the public but its nicely-manicured garden is. It was built as a memorial to St. John's staff who perished during the World Wars. The Charterhouse was founded as a monastery in 1371. As part of Henry VIII's pursuit of monasteries when he broke with the Roman Catholic church, the site was transferred to the state and the monks were executed. Sir Edward North bought the property in 1545 and turned it into a mansion. The subsequent owner, Thomas Sutton, turned it into a school and almshouse in his will. While the school moved in 1872, the almshouse is still operating today. A free museum showcases its history with a chapel worth visiting while tours require a charge. Exmouth Market is a foodie destination with plenty of restaurants, cafes, and street food. Neighbourhood streets are quiet with a mix of architectural styles and uses. Old Sessions House opened in 1782 as the country's largest courthouse with a dome in the style of the Roman Pantheon. After it moved in 1931, Avery Scales took over and the building became the weighing machine manufacturer's headquarters. Later, it became a Masonic Lodge as the area declined. St. Peter's Italian Church was consecrated in 1863 to serve the large Italian community which reached some 2000 strong by the 1850s. At the time, it was the only church in the country in the Roman basilican style, modelled after the Basilica of San Crisogno in Rome. Further Reading : Local history routes to enjoy