Places of interest

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Canonbury Tower, Islington, September 2008
  • Canonbury Tower - The manor of Canonbury was constructed by William Bolton of St Bartholomew’s Priory between 1509 and 1532. On dissolution of the monasteries it was granted to Thomas Cromwell. In the 1590’s the manor was rebuilt by Sir John Spencer, the Lord Mayor of London, including the construction of its tower. The tower has been occupied by many historical figures, including Francis Bacon and Oliver Goldsmith. The Tower Theatre Company was based here from 1953 to 2003. It is currently used as a Masonic research centre.
  • Canonbury Square - An attractive square, developed between 1805 and 1830, it includes a variety of distinct styles. In 1812, when few properties had been built, the New North Road turnpike, now known as Canonbury Square, was constructed and bisects the square. Many significant figures from the arts and literary worlds have lived on the square, including George Orwell, Evelyn Waugh and Samuel Phelps.
  • The Estorick Collection of Modern Italian Art is in Canonbury Square.
  • New River Walk - The New River, an aqueduct built by Sir Hugh Myddelton to supply fresh water to London, was completed in 1613. The walk is in two parts, with a break at Willowbridge. The southern section received an early National Lottery grant, and has a back-pumping scheme which simulates the water flow of the original aqueduct.
  • Canonbury Grove - is a road running parallel to part of New River Walk, made up of typical attractive 2 and 3 storey early 19th century terraces.