View from Canonbury Tower © Pip Howeson
From the Archive Canonbury the Great
Tucked away in the heart of North London lies Canonbury, a neighborhood that feels like a delightful secret, a hidden gem waiting to be discovered. I moved here in March, serendipitously stumbling upon a charming house before even getting to know the area itself. My husband, however, has long been enchanted by this part of the city, and with good reason. The graceful Georgian buildings, serene squares, and a sense of history that lingers in the air create an atmosphere that is both welcoming and timeless.
Walking through Canonbury Square, you feel as though you’ve stepped back in time. This enchanting enclave retains a friendly village feel, unspoiled by the relentless march of modernity. The streets are lined with charming homes, some of which have not yet succumbed to the current trend of basement extensions—a small miracle in London. As I stroll, I can’t help but feel the presence of those who came before us; the square has been home to literary giants like Evelyn Waugh and George Orwell, and today counts Keira Knightley and Emma Watson among its residents.
From my bedroom window, I gaze upon the Canonbury Tower, an extraordinary relic of Tudor architecture that dates back to the reign of Henry VIII. The tower stands as a reminder of the area’s pastoral past when it was surrounded by verdant countryside, providing milk to the bustling city. Designed by William Bolton, the architect responsible for the chapel at Westminster Abbey, this remarkable structure was never meant for defense; instead, it was designed to showcase the stunning views of the surrounding landscape.
In a curious twist of fate, the tower was granted to Oliver Cromwell in 1535, a pivotal moment in history that saw him plan the dissolution of the monasteries from this very spot. Though he lived here for just a year before his execution, the echoes of history linger within these walls. The priory eventually changed hands, sold to fund Henry VIII’s divorce from Anne of Cleves—a rather modern predicament, wouldn’t you say?
The tower found a new lease on life under the ownership of the Dudley and Spencer families during the Elizabethan era. It was during this time that Sir Francis Bacon, a close friend of the Spencers, took a lease on the building. Known as one of the original founders of Freemasonry and a member of the Rosicrucian Order, Bacon’s influence can still be felt here, particularly in the paneling that bears the marks of his philosophical musings.
As I settle into my new home, I am continuously inspired by the beauty and rich history of Canonbury. It is a place that invites exploration, where each corner reveals a story waiting to be told. Whether it’s the breathtaking architecture, the literary connections, or the vibrant community spirit, Canonbury has captured my heart and ignited my imagination.
So here’s to Canonbury—an enchanting neighborhood that celebrates the past while embracing the present, a reminder that in the hustle and bustle of London, there are still pockets of tranquility and charm to be found.
