Monastic houses, Georgian speculators and beyond: a SAVE Walking Tour of historic Clerkenwell - SAVE Walking Tour
FULLY BOOKED - Monastic houses, Georgian speculators and beyond:
A SAVE walking tour of historic Clerkenwell
Wednesday, 24th April 2024 | 18:00 - 19:30
Architectural historian and Barts Heritage CEO Will Palin will take us on a ramble through the streets of historic Clerkenwell, tracing the ancient origins of this unique part of London and following its growth and redevelopment through the Georgian and Victorian periods. The walk will include a special visit to the 18th-century Sessions House on Clerkenwell Green.
During the medieval period Clerkenwell was dominated by the presence of four great religious houses within or around its boundaries, St Bartholomew’s Priory, The Charterhouse, St John’s Priory and St Mary’s Nunnery. Notwithstanding centuries of change and redevelopment the imprint of these monastic sites can still be discerned on the modern street pattern, just one of the aspects that make an architectural tour of this area so surprising and rewarding.
In the modern era, Clerkenwell has evolved into a sought-after destination, housing museums, hotels, vibrant bars, and restaurants. Its identity is deeply rooted in specialised craft and light industrial workshops that have been a longstanding feature of the area. Additionally, an impressive concentration of design and technology firms further contributes to its character. Nevertheless, positioned on the periphery of the City, Clerkenwell consistently faces the challenges posed by significant office development pressures.
Meet: Charterhouse Square outside Charterhouse Museum (EC1M 6AX), for a prompt start at 6:00pm
Tickets: Friends & Saviours £19 | General public £24 (incl. Eventbrite booking fee)
Images: Old Sessions House [Credit: G Jerger for SAVE Britain's Heritage]
*Please note that there are very limited spaces available and last-minute room hires may limit access to certain areas at Sessions House