History of Barbican

The Barbican has a long history going back to Roman times when a fort was built in the area (barbican mean fortified outpost or gateway).From the 16th century onwards; it was an area where the low life, thieves and prostitutes lived as well as artists and writers. Shakespeare was a resident of the area at one stage as did Ben Johnson. The area was always predominantly porr well into the 20th century. It was very heavily bombed during the second world war and the whole area was left inhabited until its redevelopment by ‘brutalist’ architects, Chamberlin, Powell and Bon.

The Barbican estate and Barbican centre are landmark in London. They are gradually being dwarfed as more skyscrapers begin to dominate the London sky line but, at the time of their construction, they were very noticeable and divided opinions. To this day people will either hate or love the buildings. The Barbican Centre is a bit of labyrinth and it is easy to get lost in it but some would say it is part of its charm. It was once voted London ‘s ugliest building (2003) but nevertheless is a Grade II listed building since 2001.

Some improvements have been made since the 90s to make it easier for people to navigate in the area and Art Centre. Once you are within the complex and know your way around, the place is rather peaceful, away from traffic noise and with its many water features containing plant and wild life amid the concrete towering complex.

Due to its proximity to the City and the West End, the area attracts a lot of young professionals. All this concrete may not appeal to some in our ‘glass age’ but it is not short of its fan base. Living in one of the towers of the estate is an opportunity for fantastic views.

Properties range from studio flats to large apartments, mainly in postwar buildings.

Places of interest

http://www.barbican.org.uk/
http://www.planetware.com/london/barbican-centre-eng-l-bc.htm
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/london/3126946.stm

• Barbican housing estate • Barbican centre

Transport Links – Visit Transport for London for more information

Farringdon – Circle, Hammersmith & City and Metropolitan Lines. Railway Station (Luton trains)
Barbican – Circle, Hammersmith & City and Metropolitan Lines.
Moorgate tube – Northern, Circle, Hammersmith & City and Metropolitan Lines
Liverpool Street – Central, Circle, Hammersmith & City and Metropolitan Lines. Railway station

Local Authority

Islington – http://www.islington.gov.uk/

Council tax bands for 2007/2008

Please note you should always check the value of your property on the 1st April 1991 to ensure you are in the correct council tax band.

Council Tax band	A	B	C	D	E	F	G	H
Property Values as of April 1991	Up to £40K	£40 to £52K	£52K to £68K	£68K to £88K	£88K to £120K	£120K to £160K	£160K to £320K	over £320K
Islington LA*	£812.94	£948.42	£1,083.92	£1,219.40	£1,490.38	£1,761.36	£2,032.34	£2,438.80

*Higher rates for garden squares. Please see respective authority websites

Average Rental and Sale prices for Barbicanl (EC1)

	Postcode	Area	1 Bedrooms	2 Bedrooms	3 Bedrooms	Bigger
To Rent	EC1	City of London	£427 pw	£552 pw	£685 pw	£850 pw
For Sale	EC1	City of London	£402,000	£634,000	£540,000	£864,000

School League tables – Click here for School League Tables

For Primary Schools in Islington please click here
For Secondary Schools in Islington please click here
For colleges in Islington please click here

Please click here to go back to the Area Guides main menu