Our neighbourhood, our beginnings

On this tour, within a 1.25 km radius of the University, you will discover the fascinating story of Clerkenwell and the neighbouring areas of Farringdon and Smithfield. The area has an intriguing history of artisans, radicals, martyrs and rebels.

The Northampton Institute (now City, University of London) was created for the benefit of the community, to promote and support the artisan trades in the area and to improve the prospects of local people.

Scroll through the locations below and click to find out more about the area from our guide, Jiff Bayliss from the Islington Museum.