London’s Regent’s Canal – SAVE walking tour

London’s Regent’s Canal – SAVE walking tour
Saturday, 6th July 2024 | 11:00 – 13:00

Join SAVE and tour guide Lettie Mckie for a walking tour exploring the rich history and compelling architecture of London’s Regent’s Canal, with a focus on current planning battles and examples of adaptive re-use.

The story of London's Regent's Canal, inaugurated in 1812, offers a fascinating glimpse into the industrial infrastructure of Georgian London during the early 19th century. Initially conceived as a speculative entrepreneurial venture, it evolved into a bustling commercial waterway during the Victorian era, only to succumb to the broader industrial downturn of the 20th century.

Presently, thanks to developer-led revitalisation efforts, the canal has undergone a remarkable transformation into a vibrant urban thoroughfare once more, albeit one predominantly frequented by leisure seekers and gentrifiers. Walking along its banks affords us a pertinent opportunity to contemplate the city's evolving landscape in all its richness.

Embark on a journey along its eastern segment, spanning from Victoria Park to the Islington Tunnel. This excursion will encompass a variety of architectural marvels and historical landmarks, ranging from elegant Regency villas to imposing Victorian gasholders and repurposed warehouses and factories of diverse shapes and sizes. The expedition will conclude at the Islington Tunnel (N1 8AP), offering participants a comprehensive exploration of the area's intriguing past and present.

Meet: Bonner Gate, Victoria Park, Sewardstone Road, Bethnal Green E2 9JW
Tickets: Friends & Saviours £15 | General public £19 (incl. Eventbrite booking fee)

Tour Guide: Lettie Mckie is a tour guide, and museum educator focusing on the early 19th-century architecture in London. She has an MA in Architectural History from UCL’s The Bartlett School of Architecture and currently works as Adult Programme Manager for the National Portrait Gallery. Her passion lies in repurposing historical buildings across different styles and eras, especially in the face of the climate crisis. Lettie previously worked at SAVE, at Sir John Soane’s Museum, and has volunteered for the 20th Century Society.

Activity Level required: We will be walking the entire stretch of the canal from Victoria Park to the Islington Tunnel, c. 2.6 miles. Whereas the route is more or less flat the path is narrow and shared with cyclist. This walking tour should not be attempted by anyone who has difficulty with everyday walking and stair-climbing.

Group size: Between 10 and 24 participants.

Images: Holborn Studios [Credit: L Mckie]

Host or Publisher SAVE Britain's Heritage