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Highbury is a North London district that is part of the Islington borough. The area is roughly 2 square kilometers (500 acres) and is located 7 kilometers (4.4 miles) north of Charing Cross. North of Highbury is Finsbury Park, while Stoke Newington is to the northeast, Canonbury and Islington to the south, Newington Green to the east, and Holloway to the west. Barnsbury is also near the area.
Highbury Clock is one of the area’s historic sites and is situated north of Highbury Fields, close to the intersection of Highbury Hill and Highbury Barn. It was given in 1897 to commemorate the 60th anniversary of Queen Victoria’s reign. Highbury fields is the biggest open space (11.75 hectares) in the area.
From 1965, the renowned Wessex Sound Studios is located in Highbury New Park, a street in Highbury. Many popular music artists such as Queen, The Rolling Stones, Sex Pistols, The Clash, and Genesis have recorded there.
Highbury N5 takes its name after the Highbury Manor that was built in 1271 by the Lord Prior of the Knights Hospitallers in England. In the 14th century, the manor was destroyed during the Peasants’ Revolt led by Jack Straw. For the next 500 years, the manor was called Jack Straw’s castle.
Under the patronage of William Willoughby, the Highbury Barn became a veritable entertainment venue in the 18th century. It hosted arts performance, dancing, and events such as Charles Green’s balloon ascent.
Highbury is the setting for the 1994 comedy Four Weddings and a Funeral. The area is the filming location for the movie Fever Pitch. The fictional character Mr. Bean lives in Highbury.
