Why I Love Clerkenwell: The History, Homes and Community of Rawstorne Street

By Mark Pesci | Mark's Perspective | Engletons Estate Agents

There are certain streets in London that I never tire of visiting, and Rawstorne Street in Clerkenwell is definitely one of them.

I love Clerkenwell. Not just for its Georgian architecture, independent restaurants or proximity to the City, but because of its history, its people and the way it has evolved over generations.

Rawstorne Street is a perfect example of that transformation. Behind its attractive period façades lies a fascinating story of working-class London, changing communities and some truly wonderful homes.

A Street Steeped in London's History

Walking along Rawstorne Street today, you'll find an interesting mixture of late Georgian terraced houses, several of which are Grade II listed, alongside historic residential buildings that reflect the area's industrial and working-class heritage.

The Georgian terraces date back to 1789–1790 and were developed by Thomas Rawstorne, a local brickmaker whose name the street still carries today.

Then there are Brewers Buildings, the distinctive Victorian flats towards Goswell Road. These were constructed between 1871 and 1882 by the Brewers' Company as philanthropic housing, providing accommodation during a period when London's growing population needed better living conditions.

It's a reminder that Clerkenwell hasn't always been the fashionable neighbourhood we recognise today.

For much of its history, this was a district of tradespeople, craftsmen, labourers and working families, many living in modest and sometimes overcrowded accommodation.

In fact, this history has a personal connection for me.

My own father grew up in a tenement building in the 1950s, sharing his childhood home with his six siblings.

When I walk around streets like Rawstorne Street, I often think about how different life would have been for families living here seventy or eighty years ago.

That's something I believe is worth remembering, particularly when we talk about how desirable these London neighbourhoods have become.

From Working-Class London to One of the Capital's Most Desirable Neighbourhoods

Clerkenwell has changed enormously over the decades.

Once associated with manufacturing, printing, watchmaking and other skilled trades, it has gradually developed into a thriving neighbourhood known for architecture, design, food and culture.

Today, Rawstorne Street attracts a very different mix of residents, including professionals working in the City, creative industries and business owners who appreciate being so close to central London.

And it's not difficult to understand the appeal.

Exmouth Market is just around the corner, offering an excellent selection of independent cafés, restaurants and local shops. St John Street and the surrounding neighbourhood have their own distinctive character, while Farringdon and Angel provide convenient transport connections.

For those working in the City of London, being able to walk to the office is another considerable advantage.

Yet, despite all these changes, Rawstorne Street has managed to retain something that can be difficult to find in central London: a genuine sense of neighbourhood and community.

It's one of the things I particularly like about this street.

Three House Sales in Six Years. Getting to Know Rawstorne Street

As an estate agent, I've had the pleasure of helping people buy and sell homes across Clerkenwell for many years.

But Rawstorne Street has become particularly familiar territory.

Over the past six years, we've sold three houses on this street alone.

We must be doing something right.

When you've been involved in several transactions along the same road, you develop a real understanding of what makes individual properties special, the type of buyers they attract and how to position them in the market.

And believe me, when it comes to Georgian houses, no two are quite the same.

Even properties that appear almost identical from the pavement can differ significantly in their layouts, condition, extensions, outside spaces and overall character.

It's why I always believe a proper property valuation should be based on more than simply looking at the price per square foot or what the house next door sold for.

Local knowledge and experience really do matter.

Returning to 52 Rawstorne Street

One of the things I enjoy most about my work is maintaining relationships with clients long after a sale has completed.

In 2021, we sold a beautiful Georgian townhouse at 52 Rawstorne Street to its current owners.

Now, five years later, they're preparing for their next chapter, and we have the pleasure of bringing the property back to the market.

What's particularly interesting is how the house has evolved during their ownership.

The lower ground floor has been excavated to create approximately two additional feet of headroom, making a substantial difference to how the space feels and functions.

The property also benefits from a new kitchen, while the garden features a fabulous detached summer house that provides additional flexible space.

These improvements have helped create a home that combines the character of Georgian architecture with the practical requirements of modern living.

And that's often what buyers in Clerkenwell are looking for.

They want the history, the brickwork, the period features and the charm, but they also appreciate a well-designed kitchen, flexible living accommodation and somewhere to enjoy a little peace and quiet outdoors.

Explore the property on Rawstorne Street.

Why I Believe Clerkenwell Will Always Have Its Appeal

Property markets change. Buyer priorities shift. Prices rise and sometimes fall.

But certain qualities remain consistently attractive.

Clerkenwell benefits from a central London location, historic architecture, an established local community and a distinctive lifestyle that is difficult to replicate.

For me, the most interesting properties here aren't necessarily the largest or the most expensive. They're the ones with character, history and something that makes them genuinely individual.

Rawstorne Street has all of those qualities.

It's a street that tells the story of London's past while continuing to attract the people who will shape its future.

And having spent years helping people move into and out of this neighbourhood, I still get a great deal of satisfaction from being part of that story.

If you're considering buying or selling a property on Rawstorne Street, in Clerkenwell or elsewhere in the EC1 area, I'd be delighted to share my experience and discuss the local property market with you.

Mark Pesci

Engletons Estate Agents

30 Penton Street, Islington, London N1 9PS

020 7278 1710

www.engletons.com