Angel Revisited: The history and evolution of Islington

About

The Angel district of Islington has long stood at the crossroads of London’s architectural and social history. Once a place of industry, markets, hospitals, and civic endeavour, the area has been continually reshaped by waves of change, from Victorian expansion through post-war redevelopment to today’s cycle of conservation-led regeneration and commercial growth. On 24 September 2025, SAVE Britain’s Heritage, in collaboration with the London Festival of Architecture (LFA), invites you to join Alec Forshaw, former head of design and conservation at Islington Council, for a walking tour that revisits Angel through the lens of heritage, continuity, and transformation.

Forshaw brings deep local knowledge and decades of professional experience to this route, offering an insider’s perspective on how planners, campaigners, and residents have shaped Angel’s built fabric. Participants will explore landmark sites such as the Royal Agricultural Hall—now reincarnated as the Business Design Centre—whose vast iron-and-glass structure reflects both Victorian ambition and modern adaptation. The itinerary also includes the former Anderson’s Yard and the Royal Free Hospital, each carrying stories of changing public needs and contested futures. The walk will further uncover the redeveloped Post Office site off Upper Street, a reminder of how commercial pressures and community advocacy collide in today’s planning landscape.

More than a history lesson, this tour raises vital questions about the role of conservation in fast-developing urban areas. Can historic buildings serve contemporary purposes without losing their character? What lessons can be drawn from Angel’s successes and setbacks in balancing heritage with growth? Forshaw encourages discussion on these themes, showing how architectural stewardship affects not only the built environment but also the resilience of local communities.

SAVE has a longstanding history of campaigning for threatened buildings and places, and this walking tour exemplifies its mission: to highlight heritage at risk, to celebrate adaptive reuse, and to inspire public engagement with the urban landscape. Taking place in the early evening, the event offers both architectural exploration and a reflective journey through the layers of Angel’s identity.

Practical details: the walk lasts around 90 minutes and is limited to exterior visits only, ensuring accessibility while maintaining focus on the wider urban setting. Tickets are priced at £17 for Friends & Saviours, £19.50 for the general public, and £7 for students (inclusive of Eventbrite fees). Spaces are limited, making early booking advisable.

For anyone passionate about heritage, planning, architecture, or the future of London’s historic districts, this event provides an invaluable opportunity to engage directly with the people and places shaping the conservation story of Islington.

24 September 2025, 18:00–19:30 | Starting Point: Angel Tube Station