Historical Research Volunteer
The Clerkenwell Green Preservation Society was founded in 2002 and is run entirely by volunteers, with the aim of protecting and restoring the open space and promote the Green's history. The area has a rich history, dating back to the 14th century, and has been the home of many famous residents, including Oliver Cromwell, Vladimir Lenin, and Charles Dickens.
The Society is looking for research volunteers to conduct research on the area. Areas of interest currently include:
- Researching the prospect of fitting a Blue Plaque to Charles Dickens to commemorate the ground floor Bookshop in his novel 'Oliver Twist', where the Artful Dodger taught Oliver how to pickpocket
- Promotion and publicity of the project seeking to re-open George Jennings' Victorian Public Lavoratories on the Green, for public sanitary use, and incorporating a Heritage Office - researching the current situation for restoration
- Researching the removal of the Victorian Temperance Fountain in the 1930s with the intention of it's reinstallation to stand on the Green outside the Marx Memorial Library
- Conduct research on the history of the Metropolitan Water Board and the River Fleet
There is also the opportunity to get involved in other projects, such as research and admin for advocacy projects, or general office administration support
This is a really exciting opportunity to learn a lot about the rich and unique history of this small enclave of Islington, right on City's doorstep.
No specific experience required, simply an interest in history, reading and researching!