Edward Irving Blue Plaque

About This Blue Plaque

Edward Irving was a Scottish clergyman and theologian who founded the Catholic Apostolic Church in the early 19th century. Born in 1792 in Annan, Scotland, Irving showed a keen intellect from a young age. He studied at the University of Edinburgh and became a minister in the Church of Scotland.

In the 1820s, Irving moved to London and became a popular preacher known for his charismatic style and unconventional theological views. He attracted large crowds to his sermons at the Caledonian Chapel in Hatton Garden. However, his teachings on the nature of Christ’s humanity and his encouragement of speaking in tongues led to controversy and his eventual removal from the Church of Scotland.

Undeterred, Irving went on to establish the Catholic Apostolic Church in 1832. This new religious movement emphasized the imminent second coming of Christ and the restoration of apostolic ministries. The church gained a following but remained relatively small. Sadly, Irving’s health declined, and he died in 1834 at the age of 42. He lived at 4 Claremont Square in Islington during his time in London, as commemorated by the blue plaque erected in 1982.

Islington, where Irving resided, has a rich religious history. It was home to many nonconformist chapels and churches in the 18th and 19th centuries, reflecting the area’s diversity and spirit of religious dissent. Today, Islington is a vibrant borough known for its mix of historical architecture, cultural venues, and green spaces like Claremont Square.