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Old Street to Angel
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Did you know? Wesley's House (and Museum) houses one of the few surviving examples of a Gentleman's Convenience (toilet), built by the renowned sanitary engineer Thomas Crapper in 1891 |
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The first records for Old Street date from 13th century, when it was part of a Roman road linking the settlements of Silchester, near Basingstoke, and Colchester. As London evolved into an important metropolis, Old Street became one of the capital’s main thoroughfares. Some domestic buildings from the eighteenth and early nineteenth century still stand on Old Street.
Since the beginning of 2000 onwards, the area around Old Street has become a vibrant hot spot for fresh start-ups and hip young people. It's now brimming with ‘happening’ bars and great restaurants. Old Street roundabout is known as the Silicon Roundabout - a reference to the California-based technology centre. Beginning with 15 companies in 2008, it now boasts more than 200 blue chip companies such as Google, Cisco, Intel, Facebook, Vodafone, Amazon UK. There is also a large number of advertising and media agencies in the area. |
John Bunyan's Grave, author of Pilgrim's Progress
Did you know? Bovril, the drink's manufacturer, had its offices here. In 1889, the beef-drink Bovril was widely sold in pubs as an alternative to beer and was popular with football fans. It was used by famous people such as Captain Scott and Ernest Shackleton on their 1902 expedition to the South Pole. |
We meet at Old Street Station and relax over a coffee to introuduce ourselves. Then we begin our short walk.
On route we see:
Bunhill Fields, Burial Ground 17th to 19th century
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Northampton Square Garden, 1800s
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After the walk we relax over a coffee and go over the new vocabulary together. Ask your teacher and guide any questions. 
The Eagle Pub
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St Luke's Church (now used as a rehearsal space for the London Symphony Orchestra)
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Did you know?
The Eagle Pub is well-known for the lyrics of 'Pop Goes the Weasel' (1855). Up and down the City Road, In and out the Eagle, That’s the way the money goes. Pop, goes the weasel |
History notes will be given to you at the end.
City Basin, 1820
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One of many tobacco and cigarette factories in this area. This one advertises Black Cat Cigarettes 1920s.
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