Islington’s rich history of literary works showcased in new interactive map

The Literary Road Map contains around 150 references to people who have either lived in Islington, or created work inspired by or based in the borough.

Writers include:

• Akala (1983-), BAFTA and MOBO award-winning hip-hop artist, writer and social entrepreneur details his life in Archway and his time at Acland Burghley School in Tufnell Park
• Kate Charlesworth (1950-), LGBT+ cartoonist and activist who lived in Rawstorne Street, Clerkenwell
• Charles Dickens (1812-1870) who mentioned various locations around Islington in his novels, such as Archway and Clerkenwell
• Andrea Levy (1956-2019), author of Small Island and The Long Song, was born and grew up in Twyford House, Elwood Street
• George Orwell (1903-1950), author of Animal Farm, who lived in Canonbury Square with his wife and son

Cllr Asima Shaikh, Islington Council’s executive member for inclusive economy and jobs and the lead member for libraries and heritage, said: “This inspiring literary road map celebrates the rich and diverse history of Islington and its people, through an online resource that is accessible to anyone.

“It shows the huge contribution made to our borough by writers from many backgrounds and provides residents with a deeper understanding of their own neighbourhood

“Reading brings huge benefits to our lives and this initiative is part of the council’s ongoing work to encourage more people in the borough to take up and enjoy reading.”

Islington Libraries support reading in many ways including book swaps across the borough, reading groups, reading challenges for adults and children as well as offering a wide range of digital resources.

To view the interactive Islington Map click here (first click 'Tick to use Open Access Version', then 'Continue', 'Show Layers', 'Recreation & Leisure' and then check the 'Literary Road Map' box).

There is also a drop down list located on Islington Life blog where you can filter results by genre of written work and which area of the borough they have a connection with.

Notes to editor

To help formulate this list last month, the libraries had displays which asked people to send in any works that had been missed.