History

The rapid growth of industrial London in the 19th century saw the green fields north of Kings Cross and West of Upper Street Islington gradually transformed into leafy squares and terraced streets. The villages and hamlets which defined the area were swallowed up. Though the substantial three- or four-storeyed terraces were built for wealthy inhabitants, the social status of many of the streets quickly declined. Those who could moved further away, seeking fresh air and green spaces.

All Saints Church at Battle Bridge opened in 1837. St Andrew’s Church was consecrated in 1854. A number of other parish churches, including St Thomas, St Matthias, and Holy Trinity (all now retired) were built to serve the populace.

Pollution, overcrowding and lack of social and sanitary infrastructure all took its toll on the area through the Victorian era. Serious overcrowding led the borough council to begin rebuilding parts of the area in the 1930s. Bombing during the Second World War destroyed many houses, particularly north of Copenhagen Street and west of Caledonian Road, and the borough council began large-scale rebuilding of high-rise estates.

In the 1960s a new generation of young professionals began to inhabit the area. The gentrification of Barnsbury was noticed by the national press. The term ‘supergentrification’ was used by the Times to describe the successive waves of restoration which took place, and the displacement of the former tenants. This left the parish polarised, with the very wealthy on the east of Caledonian Road and serious social marginalisation of the west side. The local churches are one of the very few places that bridge that divide.

The Barnsbury Team ministry was formed when St Andrew’s and All Saints were united in 1975. In 1994, Church on the Corner was opened in the old Edward VII pub on Copenhagen Street. From 31 March 2023, Barnsbury Parish comprises St Andrew’s and Church on the Corner.

The two churches work closely together. Each has a distinct ministry and mission. St Andrew’s C of E Primary School, our local church school, is a success story, welcoming children from across the spectrum of the parish. It has been graded ‘good’ by OFSTED and outstanding in every category by SIAMS (Statutory Inspection of Anglican and Methodist Schools).

As we approach the church’s 170th birthday in 2024, we are looking to the future and undertaking a project to restore the church building.