In this and the following post Mr Bradshaw and I wander about to find the notable sights of Islington in 1862. ‘..The Pentonville or Model Prison, in the Caledonian Road, was built in 1842….It contains 1,000 separate cells, which are well lit, warmed, and ventilated on an improved plan. In 1849 the total number of prisoners was 1,106…£2,425 earned by the prisoners who are either taught useful trades or pursue their original vocation within its walls…’.

The Caledonian Asylum was built in 1828 ‘..for the purpose of supporting and educating the children of soldiers, sailors, and marines, native of Scotland who have died or been disabled in the service of their country and of indigent Scotch parents resident in London, not entitled to parochial relief..’. By the late 1800s the buildings were unsuitable and a new school was built in Bushey. The school was sold in 1996, the proceeds created a Trust, and the buildings now house The Purcell School.


‘..Copenhagen Fields opposite is the site of a great cattle market..’. The area is named after Copenhagen House (demolished to build the market) and today only the Clock Tower remains on the site, which is a park. The Caledonian Cattle Market was also known as the Metropolitan Cattle Market



You may be interested in
Victorian Prisons
An interesting article on the history of Copenhagen Fields and the Caledonian Market
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