Local Amenities

The Close The noSWeat journalism training centre is situated in central London in Clerkenwell Close, a quiet street away from the hubbub of the city but just a stone’s throw away from the Guardian and Reuters offices on Farringdon Road, with Fleet Street and St Paul’s Cathedral just a short walk away.The Close and everything about it fosters a studious atmosphere. Architecturally it is a mixture of modern and traditional, dominated at one end by St James Clerkenwell Church and internet giant Wanadoo’s headquarters at the other.Immediately opposite the centre is a quiet green with benches and paved areas used by locals for picnics, strolls and general relaxation especially on sunny days.

the entrance to noSWeat on Clerkenwell Close

the quiet space opposite noSWeat

Three pubs, a sub-post office and newsagent are all to be found in The Close, answering most needs, with sandwich shops and restaurants in adjoining Clerkenwell Green. Marginally further away, in Farringdon Road and its environs there is the usual central London plethora of restaurants, pubs and cafes from the utilitarian to the chic.

Environs

The Guardian and Observer
The Guardian and Observer offices at 119 Farringdon Road are a short walk from the noSWeat centre. The Guardian’s own museum confusingly called The Newsroom is across the road at 60 Farringdon Road. It is an archive and visitor centre which “preserves and promotes the histories and values of the Guardian, Observer and Guardian Unlimited through archive, education and exhibitions”.

Central Criminal Court, Old Bailey
Known as ‘The Old Bailey’ after the street in which it is situated, London’s Central Criminal Court is a 10 minute walk from noSWeat’s home in Clerkenwell Close. These world famous courts were built in 1907 on the site of Newgate Prison. The lofty tower is surmounted by a bronze gilt figure of Justice wielding her sword in one hand and carrying scales in the other. She has figured in umpteen movies when a court scene or legal encounter is part of the plot. The Bailey is on noSWeat’s official visit list and tutors accompany classes as part of their training. Students are encouraged to visit independently as part of their news gathering training. A list of the cases set for hearing on any particular day is obtainable in advance from the listings office. Names of cases and the subject matter of the hearing are posted outside each court.

The Royal Courts of Justice, The Strand
These are the nation's main civil courts. High Court Judges preside over the most serious civil trials in the country including divorce, libel, civil liability and appeals, including the Court of Criminal Appeal. The Victorian Gothic edifice is to be found at the top end of Fleet Street where The Strand, begins. It was opened by Queen Victoria in 1882, and represented the last major Gothic revival in London. Made from 35 million bricks faced with Portland stone, the Royal Courts of Justice are said to contain 1,000 rooms and 3.5 miles of corridors. The interior of the building is as magnificent as the façade. The public and journalism students are admitted to all 88 court rooms and can come and go as they please, although Judges will not suffer interruptions when they are passing judgement or witnesses are taking oaths. Prominent lists in the central hall indicate which case is being held in which court and how far the proceedings have gone. The Royal Courts of Justice also contains a small exhibition of legal dress.

St Bride’s, Fleet Street
St Brides was built by Sir Christopher Wren (better known, perhaps, for St Paul’s Cathedral, just a short distance up the road) in the 1680s. From its position, right in the middle of Fleet Street, the church has become known as the “journalists’ church”. It remains at the heart of the national press even though the press has dispersed north, south, east and west - to Wapping, Canary Wharf, the South Bank and Kensington. A vigil was held for John McCarthy, Terry Anderson and other journalists held hostage in Lebanon in the eighties and early nineties. After four young Reuters journalists - one American, two Africans and one German - were hacked to death in Somalia in 1993, Reuters came to St Bride’s to put together a Service of Thanksgiving for their lives and work. The journalists' altar is in the north aisle - where McCarthy's vigil was held - and where a plaque to commemorate the four Reuters’ men is dedicated to those named and unnamed, renowned or otherwise, who have lost their lives in pursuit of the news.

Transport

Buses
Include 63, 45 or 46 (short walk to centre) from King’s Cross
Include 38 to Rosebery Sq from Victoria
Include 205 to King’s Cross from Paddington, then 63 as above.

Tube
Farringdon – using the Hammersmith and City, Metropolitan or Circle lines.
Clerkenwell Close is a five minute walk from the station.