Does this plaque on Laystall Street pique your interest? It honors Giuseppe Mazzini a key figure in Italy’s unification. This plaque marks a place with a rich history. Giuseppe Mazzini was born in Genoa in 1805. Italy then was a collection of independent states. Mazzini trained as a lawyer. However he dedicated his life to unifying Italy.
Giuseppe Mazzini championed republicanism. He believed Italy should be a single nation. He organized riots and insurrections to achieve this. Mazzini also founded Young Italy a secret society. It aimed to unify the country. These actions led to imprisonment and exile. A death sentence was issued in his absence.
During the 1840s to 1860s Giuseppe Mazzini lived in London. From here he continued his work. He resided at 155 North Gower Street. He also spent time in Hatton Garden. This Laystall Street plaque does not mark his residence. It commemorates something else. It is a tribute to the Society for the Progress of Italian Workers in London.
Laystall Street once thrived as a hub for Italian immigrants. The society was founded in May 1864. Giuseppe Mazzini and Giuseppe Garibaldi jointly presided over it. Both men shared republican ideals. They wanted a unified Italy. The society aimed to involve London’s Italian community. It wanted them to support unification. Initially the club met at Mazzini’s Hatton Garden home. Later it moved to Farringdon Road. Eventually it settled at 10 Laystall Street. The club remained there until 1930. Then it relocated to Red Lion Street.
This plaque dates back to 1922. The society had been at this building for years. The reason it only mentions Mazzini remains unclear. Garibaldi also co-founded the society. During World War II the Red Lion Street premises were seized. After the war they were returned. The society changed its name to the Mazzini-Garibaldi Club.
Giuseppe Mazzini faced government scrutiny in London. In 1843 his letters were opened. British authorities shared the contents with Austria. This led to the execution of the Bandiera brothers. They had supported Mazzini’s planned riots.
Laystall Street’s name has interesting origins. A laystall was a place for rubbish or cattle. In 1746 the street was called Leicester Street. The name may have evolved over time. Laystall Street was divided in the 1890s. Rosebery Avenue was built. It cut the street in half.
Giuseppe Mazzini also influenced education. The Laystall Street School opened in 1876. It addressed the need for school places in central London. Today it is the Christopher Hatton Primary School. It is named after an Elizabethan politician. This plaque on Laystall Street connects us. It links to Giuseppe Mazzini. It connects to Italian unification. It reminds us of London’s immigrant history. It highlights social progress. It is a small piece of a much larger story.