EC1 is the largest of the 6 central postcodes in London and features Clerkenwell to the West and Finsbury to the North. St Luke’s is found in the East while a large chunk of the City lies to the South. EC1 roughly covers the north western corner of the City of London.
Clerkenwell, Farringdon and St Luke’s are in the London borough of Islington, Hatton Garden lies in Camden while St Bartholomew’s Hospital lies in the City of London. The borough of Islington has great transport links; there are lots of buses in the area and many Underground stations including Angel, Old Street and Finsbury Park.
The redevelopment of the Isle of Dogs prompted a makeover of this area which turned Clerkenwell into one of the biggest property and office space success stories in London. It became a fashionable place to live and work in the 17th century with Oliver Cromwell even having a house there. Clerkenwell was previously known as “Little Italy” due to the large number of Italians living there.
The parish church in St Luke’s is now home to a concert hall and rehearsal space used by the London Symphony Orchestra. Whitecross Street Market is hugely popular in St Luke’s. Roads are closed off and stalls are arranged in the street – a great place to experience local culture.
Local landmarks: Moorfield’s Eye Hospital, St Bartholomew’s Hospital, The Barbican Estate, City University, Alexandra Palace, Finsbury Park, Sadler’s Wells Theatre, City Road, Whitecross Street Market.