Christmas isn’t complete without paper crowns and silly jokes from beloved Christmas crackers. But did you know, we wouldn’t have this tradition without the help of a local baker on Goswell Road in Clerkenwell?
Tom Smith ran a bakery on Goswell Road in Clerkenwell. He made a trip to Paris, where he was inspired by French Bonbons wrapped in a pretty twist of paper to create his own wrapped treat with a slip of good tidings inside. His inspiration for that satisfying pop you hear when you pull a cracker was the sound of a log fire - very festive! His son came up with the idea for the paper hats and tiny toys, and Smith patented the first cracker in 1847 (more information at the V&A museum).
It makes sense that the Christmas cracker was invented in here - it fits nicely into Clerkenwell's creative and historic personality.
Clerkenwell's history: Around the same time Smith was perfecting the cracker, Charles Dickens, who lived nearby, was writing some of his best-known books; he published a Christmas Carol in 1843.
Clerkenwell's creativity: The area is well known as a centre for interior designers and architects, attracting many independent showrooms and hosting Design Week each year. In fact, Clerkenwell shines in January as homeowners find new motivation to start home renovation projects.
Not to mention, Clerkenwell has a thrilling social scene, all the delicious restaurants a foodie could hope for, lovely pubs, great transport links, tons of art and beautiful Edwardian homes. What’s not to love?
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