Below is some genealogy information and websites about the history and social geography of London - Islington.

North-East, North-West, South-East, South-West, Midlands, London, East Anglia

Description: Located in Greater London, Islington is based in North London. It is part of the London Borough of Islington. Traditionally part of the cattle route to Smithfield market, Islington had facilities to house cattle as a stop-over. It was also a centre for market gardens for fruit, vegetables, cash crops and flowers. This was in many ways thanks to the natural water sources which were found nearby. Perhaps it was most famous for it's supply of dairy products to London. Butter, cream and milk were all produced in Islington. Islington became a popular area to live in as a result. Access to the Regent's canal only assisted in the growth of Islington, which was constructed in 1820. In 1830, horse-drawn buses were introduced. Initially a well-off area for professionals, the mid-1800s saw the poor move in as inner city slums were demolished. In conjunction, railways allowed access to areas further out, which became more fashionable. As this took place, agriculture and horticulture declined and other industries such as brick-making took off. Islington was heavily bombed during the Second World War. Originally part of Middlesex it joined London in 1889. It became the Metropolitan Borough of Islington in 1900. It joined Greater London as the London Borough of Islington in 1965 as part of Greater London.

Reading Materials:

If you are interested in your genealogy, why not find out about your family tree here or take a look at our packages.