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Canonbury Tower is Tudor and is the oldest building in Islington. It is the most substantial remaining part of an old manor house.

In 1253 Ralph de Berners made a grant of "lands, rents and their appurtenances in Iseldone" to the Prior and Canons of St Bartholomew's in Smithfield– an Augustinian order. In 1509 William Bolton was elected as the new Prior. Canonbury Tower is certainly his work. The reason for constructing the Tower is obscure since it served no defensive purpose. Henry VIII bestowed the manor of Canonbury on his Chief Minister for the Dissolution, Thomas Cromwell, shortly before Cromwell's execution. Amongst the various people who have lived here over the years are Sir Francis Bacon, Oliver Goldsmith and Washington Irving.

Much of the present interior dates from the early 17th century and includes some fine wood paneling. This was removed to Northamptonshire during the Second World War for safety.

The history of Canonbury Tower and the fascinating stories of the occupants can be seen at en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Canonbury_House_and_Canonbury_Tower

The attractive Canonbury House was formerly the vicarage.