Toby Patrick explores why Italians settled in Clerkenwell
London has a long history of embracing cultures from around the world. From the influx of Irish, Eastern European, and eastern Asian immigrants in the 17th to 19th century to the Windrush generation in the 1950s and 60s, London has long cemented itself as the country’s cultural capital, a melting pot of all different types of people from all around the globe. The sign of immigration can be seen all over London, from the iconic Chinatown to the vibrant streets of Brixton, however many do not know about the hidden heritage of other groups of people who came to London in the 19th century.
London’s Little Italy, as it is named, emerged in the 1830s when Italian immigrants settled around Clerkenwell and Hatton Garden. Fleeing from Italy to escape from political uncertainty, Italians settled in these regions, overcoming poverty and adapting to the diverse but dynamic cultural landscape of London, helping to shape these areas and adding to the history of this great city.
From ice cream to coffee houses, if you want to learn more about the legacy of Little Italy in the heart of London, read on and learn a slice of what Italian London history has to offer.
The early wave of Italians
The first group of Italians arrived in London from the northern regions of Italy, escaping the political and economic uncertainty of the Risorgimento movement, which led to oppression and violence. These first settlers decided to arrive in Clerkenwell, which was already an established hub for craftsmen making glass, picture frames and other glass products that needed skilled workers to make. The second wave joined them towards the end of the century, from further down south and consisting of families and unskilled workers fleeing the political unrest which had then spread across the country, branching out into locations such as Saffron Hill.
The Italian inventions
When the Italians moved over to the UK, many of them, without British citizenship, struggled to get employment, especially those who came unskilled. Alongside this, cultural and language barriers also become a clear issue for employability. This led many Italians living in Little Italy to turn to training and entertainment to get by and make a living. This included introducing gelato and ice to London. Italian Carlo Gatti, who settled in Little Italy, introduced Londoners to coffee, chocolate and ice cream, which then became a staple of the area and a way for Italians to make an income. As well as this, other Italians made a career through music, including street singing bands, and barrel organs, which were controversial but created an Italian feel in the area.
The legacy and modern revival
During the 20th century, the population of Little Italy grew. Many Italians and residents moved from the area of Clerkenwell to areas such as Soho, which then became an expansion for Little Italy, opening up new coffee shops and restaurants. These days, Little Italy is no longer a fixed place but rather woven into the culture of London’s historical past, with its original community dispersed all over the city but still remaining strong. This is encapsulated by St Peter’s Italian Church continuing the traditions of the Italian people, hosting the procession of Our Lady of Mount Carmel every year, which hails from 1830.
Overall, the legacy of Little Italy remains to this day, shaping London and its streets with ice cream shops and coffee houses to be found on nearly every corner of the city to this day.
