A walk through this leafy corner of Islington that explores its rich history and varied communities, from dissenting academies to missionary training schools, radical drinking clubs to synagogues – and asks why some historical sites are commemorated and remembered, and others are neglected and forgotten.

This walking tour will follow the course one of the earliest public infrastructure projects in London, the 400 year old New River aqueduct. Explore a history of innovative public housing developments in one of the most densely populated parts of London and end at New River Head, a striking example of public utility architecture now being repurposed for arts and culture.

Newington Green Unitarian Meeting House was built in 1708 for the local Non-conformist community. By the end of the 18th century it had become a Unitarian chapel of 'rational dissent' led by minister and radical Richard Price; it welcomed early feminist Mary Wollstonecraft. It maintains its original facade and many of its internal chapel fittings. It's home to the New Unity Unitarian congregation.

unknown, 1708

A rare example of a large purpose built metropolitan working men’s club with over 100 years of history. A once dignified building, revival Queen Anne style in the late-Victorian period, Grade II listed in 2019.

Alfred Allen, 1900

High church, Arts & Crafts, Grade I listed for its painted walls and beautiful mosaics. Designed and built by William White. The childhood church of John Betjeman. Commemorated in his poem “St Saviours”. Golden mosaic works by Venetian artist Antonio Salviati. The current artists caretaking the building will be present together with some of their work.

William White, 1865

Bradbury Works in Gillett Square, Dalston, has re-opened its doors. The new award winning building includes the refurbishment of 600m2 of existing affordable workspace, the replacement of ten mini retail units, and the provision of almost 500m2 of extra workspace in a two-storey extension. Bradbury Works is the next step in the evolving unique story of this community focused public space.

Alex Smith of Y/N Studio, 2022

Grade II listed Art Deco cinema with stalls and circle created in 1937 within the shell of an Edwardian cinema, retaining many original features. In 2017 a new auditorium was created in the basement space.

F E Bromige, 1937

The Estorick Collection is housed in a beautiful Georgian building previously known as Northampton Lodge. Today, the museum comprises six galleries over three floors, as well as a library, offices, a café and bookshop.

Henry Leroux of Stoke Newington, 1807