St John's Gate badge on sale May
A depiction of iconic Islington landmark
and historic home of the Order of St John,
St John's Gate, can now be worn as a pin
badge to commemorate the London 2012 Olympics and
Paralympics.
Selected by the public, the historic structure was Islington’s
entry for the Landmark London series, which
features a stylised metal badge for each of
London’s boroughs, and goes on sale at the beginning of
May.
Proud councillor
Councillor Terry Stacy, Leader of the Islington
Council, was presented with the first badge produced for
the borough at a London Councils Leaders Committee meeting in
March.
I have been wearing my badge with pride.
Councillor Terry Stacy
Leader of the Islington Borough Council
He said: ‘Islington has lots of attractions that are fit for a
badge, but I certainly believe St John's Gate is a worthy winner
and it's wonderful to see the final design. I've been wearing
my badge with pride.
‘I am really looking forward to London 2012, and hope this badge
will help build the excitement and help bring people to see what
Islington has to offer.’
Historical significance
St John’s Gate was originally the entrance to the inner precinct
of the Priory of the Knights Hospitallers (Order of St
John). At various points in history it has been the site
for Edward Cave’s original printing press, a
workplace for author Samuel Johnson, and where
painter William Hogarth lived as a child. It is
now the home of the Museum of the Order of St John
– currently being redeveloped, with the help of the Heritage
Lottery Fund, and due to open in September. The
Gate also was the original home of St John
Ambulance.
The badge will be available from Runner’s Need, Crest of
London, World Duty Free and the Museum of
London.