London Guided Walks » Episode 154: White Conduit House: A Lost Pleasure Garden of Georgian Islington

Episode 154: White Conduit House: A Lost Pleasure Garden of Georgian Islington

Explore the fascinating history of White Conduit House, a lost Georgian pleasure garden in Islington. From its origins as a medieval water conduit in 1431 to its transformation into a democratic tea garden, cultural hub, and the birthplace of organised cricket, this episode uncovers the stories, people, and events that shaped this remarkable site. Discover literary connections, early music performances, sporting history, and the impact of urban development on this iconic London landmark.

Host: Hazel Baker

Hazel is an active Londoner, a keen theatre-goer and qualified CIGA London tour guide.

She has won awards for tour guiding and is proud to be involved with some great organisations. She is a freeman of the Worshipful Company of Marketors and am an honorary member of The Leaders Council.

Channel 5’s Walking Wartime Britain(Episode 3) and Yesterday Channel’s The Architecture the Railways Built (Series 3, Episode 7). Het Rampjaar 1672, Afl. 2: Vijand Engeland and Arte.fr Invitation au Voyage, À Chelsea, une femme qui trompe énormément.

Hazel Baker:

You’re standing on a quiet Islington street corner. Opposite a friendly barber’s is a Georgian restaurant in a building that was once THE place to be. This area has so much history but almost no one walking past has a clue it’s there.

You’re listening to the London History Podcast, where the stories, people, and places of this remarkable city come to life. I’m Hazel Baker, founder of londonguidedwalks.co.uk, and your guide to London’s eclectic history. Today’s episode is about White Conduit House and it is my pleasure to share with you my findings from my own research. You won’t find this anywhere else.

Each episode, we step off London’s beaten track to uncover how the city’s past still shapes what you see and experience today—from medieval water pipes and lost pleasure gardens, to rebellious crowds, radical ideas, and world-changing firsts.

As usual, show notes, audio, and video versions are all at londonguidedwalks.co.uk/podcast.And if you like what we do, then please write a review!

So, get that cup of tea ready – let’s begin.”