**Historical Overview**:
– The Metropolitan Borough of Islington inherited the boundaries of the ancient parish in 1916.
– Islington’s name means ‘Gīsla’s hill’ from the Old English personal name Gīsla and dun (hill).
– Islington was popular for its rural atmosphere and proximity to the City and Westminster.
– The Great North Road connected with a toll road up Highgate Hill in the 14th century.
– St. Mary’s church was first built in the twelfth century and replaced in the fifteenth century.
**Infrastructure and Development**:
– The New River, constructed in the 17th century, brought fresh water to Islington.
– Islington experienced significant population growth from 1801 to 1891.
– Gentrification in the 1960s saw the rediscovery and rehabilitation of Georgian terraces.
– Islington’s urbanization began with ribbon development along the Great North Road (A1).
– Islington High Street is approximately 500 meters long, running from Pentonville Road to Islington Green.
**Cultural and Entertainment Scene**:
– Islington was known for growing vegetables in the 17th and 18th centuries.
– Music halls and theatres were established around Islington Green in the 19th century.
– The Kings Head Tavern has remained on the same site since 1543.
– Islington Literary and Scientific Society was established in 1833.
– Sparks performed their first 20 albums in 20 nights at O2 Academy Islington in 2008.
**Listed Buildings and Cultural Significance**:
– Grade II listed Arlington Square is a notable historical site in Islington.
– St Pauls Church, designed by Sir Charles Barry, is a Grade II* listed building.
– Islington Local History Centre delves into Charles Dickens’ connection with Islington.
– The Charles Dickens Exhibition of 2012 highlights the author’s impact on the borough.
– Various Grade II listed buildings in Islington include Almeida Theatre, Angel Baptist Church, and Ironmonger Row Baths.
**Transportation and Sports**:
– Islington is served by multiple bus routes with a major interchange near Angel tube station.
– Arsenal, a top-flight professional football club, is based in Holloway, Islington.
– Islington offers over 60 sports and physical activities through various clubs, leisure centers, and parks.
– The presence of Arsenal FC enhances the sports culture and community spirit in Islington.
– Parking restrictions help manage traffic flow and maintain order in the bustling area.
Islington (/ˈɪzlɪŋtən/) is a district in the north of Greater London, England, and part of the London Borough of Islington. It is a mainly residential district of Inner London, extending from Islington's High Street to Highbury Fields, encompassing the area around the busy High Street, Upper Street, Essex Road (former "Lower Street"), and Southgate Road to the east.
| Islington | |
|---|---|
 Buildings on Islington High Street | |
  Islington Location within Greater London | |
| Area | 14.86 km2 (5.74 sq mi) (whole Borough) |
| Population | 206,125 (2011 census) (whole borough) |
| • Density | 13,871/km2 (35,930/sq mi) |
| OS grid reference | TQ315844 |
| London borough | |
| Ceremonial county | Greater London |
| Region | |
| Country | England |
| Sovereign state | United Kingdom |
| Post town | LONDON |
| Postcode district | N1,EC1 |
| Dialling code | 020 |
| Police | Metropolitan |
| Fire | London |
| Ambulance | London |
| UK Parliament | |
| London Assembly | |