Clerkenwell

For the first couple of nights that we were in London we stayed

with a friend in Clerkenwell. This is not an area we knew so

exploration of the area was high on our list and we found it

fascinating.

Here is a taste of the history. The top picture is of the Jerusalem

Tavern. Named after the Priory of St. John of Jerusalem which

began in 1140. The village of Clerkenwell grew up around the priory

and the first Jerusalem Tavern came into being in the 14th century.

I'm told that the Crusaders gathered there and at St John's Gate

before heading off on their adventures.

The Tavern moved a few times until it finally settled in this building

which dates from 1720. It was originally a merchants house and a

workshop for watch and clock makers. The current shopfront was

put in place in 1820.

Over the years the Tavern has had some interesting characters

partaking of it's ales. The artist William Hogarth, Samuel Johnson,

David Garrick and, on several of his trips to London, none other than

Handel.

Just down the road is St John's Gate. Part of the original boundary of

the City of London. It was illegal to hold gatherings or demonstrations

within the city so gatherings were held on the other side of the gate.

This is a fine piece of old London. In all the years I lived there I was

unaware of its existence. I'm looking forward to my next visit.