When Richard Cloudesley died in 1517 he left land, known as the Stony Fields, to the parish of Islington and the profits from this plot of land have funded activities and projects in Islington for the subsequent 500 years. The walk starts at St Mary’s, where Richard Cloudesley’s tomb is and where his ghost was said to make the earth shake! As we explore the Stony Fields they illuminate the urbanisation of Islington, ‘The March of Bricks and Mortar’ as well as the fascinating development of the charitable giving over the centuries. Fields that were grazed by cattle in the 16th century deliver an income today that allows the charity Cloudesley to give grants of £900,000 to residents, local organisations and churches. The story reveals elegant Georgian architecture and the residents of those houses, local politics, disputes and battles involving local government, engaged citizens, residents and landlords. Walk the streets that cover the Stony Fields and see the extraordinary changes that have taken place in Islington and Barnsbury over the last 500 years through the lens of Richard Cloudesley’s bequest. We end at Culpepper Community Garden in Cloudesley Road – it is quite a journey that the charity has taken over the centuries. Walk duration is 1.5 to 2 hours. Booking essential.
This walk is free and is funded by Cloudesley in the 500th anniversary year of Richard Cloudesley’s original bequest. Book a place here.
More information on Richard Cloudesley’s legacy, the charity’s history and its current grant-making.