“Fancy a stroll through the largest open space in Islington?” Highbury Fields awaits. This green expanse of 11.75 hectares offers a retreat from London’s hustle. Highbury Fields extends from Highbury Corner almost to Highbury Barn. It is a popular spot for locals and visitors alike.
But Highbury Fields has more to offer than just open space. It also has recreational facilities. There are tennis courts for sports enthusiasts. Highbury Pool provides a place for swimming and relaxation. After refurbishment, it reopened in January 2007.
Now, look around at the houses surrounding Highbury Fields. Admire the Georgian and Victorian townhouses. They are highly desirable residences. These terraces stand on Highbury Place, Highbury Crescent, and Highbury Terrace.
Let’s step back in time to the late 18th century. John Dawes bought much of the land. He began the residential development of Highbury. In 1774, he granted leases for 39 houses on Highbury Place. John Spiller, a speculative builder, designed and built them. The terrace was completed in 1777.
Many famous residents have called Highbury Place home. Walter Sickert, the Impressionist painter, lived at number 1. He ran an art school there from 1927 to 1931. John Wesley stayed at number 25. Joseph Chamberlain also lived at number 25 from 1845 to 1854. John Spiller himself moved into number 39 when the terrace was finished. Abraham Newland, chief cashier of the Bank of England, had a house on Highbury Place for daytime use only. He never slept outside the Bank for 25 years.
Next, consider Highbury Terrace. Construction of the central part of the terrace began in 1789. By 1794, numbers 1 to 16 had been built. Sir Francis Ronalds lived and worked at number 1 Highbury Terrace from 1796 to 1813.
Highbury Crescent came later. James Wagstaff and James Goodbody laid out the land in 1844. Numbers 19 to 25 were leased to Goodbody in 1846. The houses were large Italianate villas. They featured rich stucco decorations.
At the south end of Highbury Fields, you will see a war memorial. Bertram Mackennal created it in 1905. It features a wreath, cannons, and captured enemy standards. The memorial commemorates Islington residents who died in the Boer War.
Centuries ago, Highbury Fields was part of a distinctive hill. Early historians believed a Roman camp occupied the summit. Springs flowed into the City from the southern end of the fields until the eighteenth century.
In the thirteenth century, a house was built on the highest part of the hill. It formed Highbury Manor. Lady Alicia de Barowe owned it in the late thirteenth century. She gifted an annual payment to the nuns of St Mary Clerkenwell. She wanted them to remember her in prayers for perpetuity.
In 1271, the Manor passed to the Knights Hospitallers of St John of Jerusalem. Sir Robert Hales rebuilt the manor house in 1380. He filled it with treasures from his expeditions.
During the Peasants’ Revolt in 1381, Jack Straw led a mob. They destroyed the manor house. Robert Hales was beheaded. The site became known as Jack Straw’s Castle.
For four hundred years, the site remained empty. In the 1770s, John Dawes bought land around Highbury. He wanted to build a grand country house. By 1781, he had a fine Georgian house.
After Dawes died, the house was sold to William Devaynes. Then, Alexander Aubert bought it in 1797. Aubert built an observatory with a solid stone pier. He enjoyed taking guests to the top. He showed them ships moving on the Thames.
In 1855, the moat was filled in. In 1885, Highbury Fields was acquired for public use. Sir John Edwin Bradfield opened the Fields to the public on December 24, 1885.
Today, Highbury Fields continues to serve as a vital green space. It is a place for recreation, relaxation, and community. As you leave, remember the rich history beneath your feet. Highbury Fields is more than just a park. It is a testament to London’s evolving story.