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Clerkenwell has a long history. It took its name from the Clerk's Well in Farringdon Lane. In the Middle Ages, the London Parish clerks performed annual mystery plays there, based on biblical themes. Part of the well may still be seen, incorporated into a later (19th or perhaps early 20th century) building called Well Court.
Clerkenwell had strong monastic traditions. The nuns of St Mary's, Clerkenwell, lived on the site of the present St James' Parish Church. The Monastic Order of the Knights Hospitallers of St John of Jerusalem had its English headquarters in Clerkenwell. It was founded to give medical assistance during the crusades. St John's Gate (built by Sir Thomas Docwra in 1504) is still there, in the rebuilt form of the Priory Gate. The Charterhouse, near the boundary with the City of London, was a Carthusian monastery. The Charterhouse later became a school and almshouse, which latter still remains.
Before Clerkenwell became a built up area, it was famous as a resort where Londoners could disport themselves at its spas, tea gardens and theatres. Sadler's WellsSadler's Wells is a theatre complex on Rosebery Avenue, Clerkenwell, London. It is best known for its ballet, but modern dance and opera are also part of the repertoire. As well as the 1,500 seat main auditorium it contains the 200 seat Lilian Baylis Thea has survived, after rebuilding, as heir to this tradition.
The area was greatly changed by the Industrial RevolutionThe Industrial Revolution is the name given to the massive social, economic, and technological change in 18th century and 19th century Great Britain. It commenced with the introduction of steam power (fuelled primarily by coal) and powered, automated mach. It became a centre for breweriesA brewery is a facility that produces beer. Typically a brewery is divided into distinct sections, with each section reserved for one part of the brewing process. Breweries can take up multiple city blocks, or be a collection of equipment in a homebrewer', distilleries and the printingPrinting is an industrial process for reproducing copies of texts and images, typically with ink on paper using a printing press. It is an important part of publishing. Printing using a printing press dates back to the 15th century in Europe (invented by industry. It was best known for clock and watch making, which once employed many people from around the area. Flourishing craft workshops still carry on some of the traditional trades, such as jewellery making. Many former industrial buildings have recently been converted into loft dwellings.
Clerkenwell Green is at the centre of the old village, by the church, and has a mix of housing, offices and pubs. In conveying some impression of its history it is probably one of the better-preserved vilage centres this close to central London.
Clerkenwell contains the headquarters of the Guardian Newspaper, Amnesty International and Mount Pleasant postal sorting office, the largest in London.
The first gastropubA gastropub is a British term for a pub which specializes in high-quality food a step above the tradition pub grub. The first gastropub was The Eagle in Clerkenwell, which introduced the format in 1990. The name is derived from gastronomy. When following, The Eagle, opened in Clerkenwell in 19911991 like 2002, is a palindromic year. It also has the same calendar as 2002, including Easter on March 31. It is a common year starting on Tuesday. Events January January 2 Sharon Pratt Dixon is sworn in as mayor of Washington, DC becoming the first blac.
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