| Clerkenwell was named from Clerks' Well in Farringdon Lane since the middle ages of London, where part of the well remains still visible. Later (19th or perhaps early 20th century) this was incorporated into a building called Well Court.
St. John's gate erected in 1504, is remaining in St John's Square and in early 20th century this became the headquarters of the St John Ambulance Association. Neighbouring is the parish church of St John, St Mary's Benedictine nunnery and St James's church (1792).
In the 17th century Clerkenwell became a fashionable place of residence. During this period Clerkenwell was also the location of three prisons. Clerkenwell Bridewell, Coldbath Fields Prison (later Clerkenwell Gaol) and the new prison, later the House of Detention.
After the industrial revolution it became a centre for breweries, distilleries and the printing industry. In 1740 Witherbys, England's oldest printing company was established in Clerkenwell. It also gained an especial reputation for the making of clocks and watches and many people from around the area were employed in these activities. Also are many craft workshops which still carry on some of the traditional trades, such as jewellery-making. |