Islington Town Hall

Islington Town Hall is the seat of Islington London Borough Council and one of the most imposing civic buildings on Upper Street in north London. It is a Grade II listed building, and its stone front, columns and period interiors make it worth a look even if you are only passing by on the way to the area's restaurants and theatres.

What is Islington Town Hall?

It is a municipal building and the headquarters of the London Borough of Islington. Council business is run from here, and the building also holds a council chamber and an assembly hall. It stands on Upper Street, the main street of Islington, close to the busy centre of the district.

Why was it built?

The current building replaced an older vestry hall on Upper Street, dating from the middle of the 19th century. That earlier hall became the headquarters of the Metropolitan Borough of Islington in 1900, but by the 1920s it was no longer adequate. In 1920 the authorities bought a large site that had been occupied by Georgian terraced houses around Tyndale Place, and a new, much bigger town hall was planned there.

Who designed it and when?

The architect was Edward Charles Philip Monson. The work was carried out in stages. The rear wing facing Richmond Grove was completed in 1922. The northern part on Upper Street followed in 1925, and the assembly hall was added in 1929. The whole complex was officially opened by Mayor Alderman William Manchester on 15 March 1930.

What does it look like?

The Upper Street front is built of Portland stone above a polished granite base. A porch carries the borough arms, and Corinthian pilasters give the facade a formal, classical rhythm. The datestone on the porch reads MCMXXV, which is 1925. Architectural writers describe the style in different ways. The earlier section is often called restrained English Baroque, with a temple-like front marking the public entrance, while the later parts lean towards Neoclassicism.

What is inside?

The interiors are praised as much as the exterior. Visitors on open days have noted Art Deco touches, grand staircases and an impressive council chamber. A marble imperial stair leading up to the chamber is a particular highlight for architecture fans.

Can you visit?

It is a working government building, so it is not open like a museum. The best chance of seeing inside is during the annual Open House London festival, when the building has been listed among the participating sites. Check the current programme before you go. From the street you can see the front at any time.

Frequently asked questions

Where is Islington Town Hall? On Upper Street, Islington, in north London.

Is it a listed building? Yes, it is Grade II listed.

Who is the architect? Edward Charles Philip Monson.

When did it open? The complex was officially opened on 15 March 1930, after construction in three phases between 1922 and 1929.

Can I go inside? Access is limited because it is the council's headquarters. Open House London is the most likely opportunity.

Tips for visitors

Upper Street has plenty of cafes, pubs and shops, so the town hall fits easily into a walk through Islington. Look closely at the porch, the columns and the stonework on the front, and compare the more ornate older section with the plainer later one.