CALEDONIAN ROAD Piccadilly Line
The most impressive image round here is undoubtedly that of Pentonville Prison with its imposing classical design (1840). To see it, turn right out of the red-tiled Tube station and go down the rather shabby, but not uninteresting Caledonian Road. No.465 is an old warehouse with arched windows and an doorway with oakleaf plasterwork, while at the corner of Market Road you will pass a handsome brick-built Methodist Church (1870).
However, there is more: after the prison, cross at the zebra and go down the first turning after the railway bridge, Offord Road. Turn right at Crescent Street, cross Huntingdon Street and continue straight ahead to get to Thornhill Crescent/Square. This is a very large, elegant early Victorian development, its gracious curves quite unspoilt. Unusually, it has a public park in the centre with a good children’s area. Even St. Andrew's Church(1850's) is surrounded by a circular garden. Opposite the church is a public library - an interesting mixture of stripped classical/Art Nouveau styles (1906). After wandering round the area leave by Bridgeman Road (east end of the church). At the junction with Hemingford Road, a pleasant Victorian Street with much decorative ironwork, turn left. (Notice the old shop window on the corner). When you get to Offord Road turn left again for the Caledonian Road.
On the way back you might like to have a look at the site of the old Metropolitan Cattle Market, reached via Market Road . Sturdy iron railings mark the boundaries of this enormous enterprise. Opened by Prince Albert in1855, it was then on the edge of the metropolis. The market finally closed in 1963 and the area is still being developed. Some reminders of past glory remain. There was a huge Italianate pub on each corner, providing accommodation as well as refreshment. Of these four, three remain - in varying states of repair. However, the dominant relic is the clocktower (more Italian architectural influence) that overlooks the whole site. The area in front of the tower is now an informal park which has matured well into a much-needed oasis.
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This is just one walk from the many to be found at London Tube Rambles. There are architectural gems, beautiful country views, historic places and whacky buildings to be found, even in the most unpromising areas covered by the Greater London Underground stations. Usually the places listed are within a mile of the Tube - often only five minutes walk away. If you reached this as an individual page via a search engine, you might like to go to www.londontuberambles.co.uk to see the other destinations explored . You'll be amazed at what's out there!