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An inner-city borough of Islington ward, Holloway is located 5.3 km (3.3 miles) north of Charing Cross and goes along the Holloway Road (A1) route. The Nag’s Head is the commercial district at the center of Holloway and lies between the more suburban Lower Holloway and Upper Holloway neighborhoods.
The area is situated in the historical Middlesex county and comprises of multicultural inhabitants. Until 2016, Holloway was home to Europe’s biggest prison for women, Holloway Prison, and is the official residence of Arsenal F.C. The Emirates Stadium (also known as Ashburton Grove) is the 3rd largest stadium in London.
Holloway is home to several artists and individuals working in the media outlet including writers, journalists, and professionals in TV and film. Notable residents include writer and poet Edward Lear, singer-songwriter John Lydon, and actress Kaya Scodelario. The area is also a popular hotspot among numerous graffiti artists in London.
Writer Douglas Adams wrote The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy while he was living on Kingsdown Road in Holloway. Johnny Rotten of the Sex Pistols grew up in Holloway.
In 1307, Holloway N7 is mentioned as Holwey. The origins of the name are not clear. One theory says that it comes from Hollow Way that refers to the erosion of the road due to cattle passing on their way to London. The other plausible name theory derives Holloway from the word hallow because of the road’s importance as a pilgrimage route.
The area is also famous for Tony Alexander King, the serial rapist and murderer known as the Holloway Strangler. He is currently serving time for his crimes.
Some parts of the area were severely damaged by bombs during the Second World War due to the fact that Holloway is situated close to King’s Cross Railway Station. The Odeon cinema, for example, was damaged. The building has recently been reconstructed.
The area was home to HM Prison Holloway (built in 1852). From 1902 until its closure in 2016, the place was a major female prison. Amongst the most notable prisoners were Isabella Glyn, Ruth Ellis, and Oscar Wilde.