East End Locations Archives - East London History

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Learn more about famous and infamous London East End locations.

Haunted London Undergroud

Posted on 6th Oct 2018 by Posted in East End Locations

London Underground Sign HDR

Ten Hauntings On The London Underground

The London Underground has been in service for over 150 years, with the Thames Tunnel opening in 1843 to make it the world’s oldest underground rail network. Millions of commuters, tourists and regular Londoners use the Underground every day without incident, but the truth is that the Underground has a murky past which has resulted in a lot of ghostly sightings and hauntings.

The Stabbed Actor of Covent Garden

Covent Garden is right in the centre of London’s West End,

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Tower of London Trivia

Posted on 16th Aug 2018 by Posted in East End Locations

Tower of London

Tower of London Trivia

The Tower of London is a must-see attraction for any tourist visiting England’s capital city. But for those keen to look deeper than Beefeaters, executions and ravens, here are five lesser known facts about the Tower.

1: Going Up in the World

Why does the staircase in the White Tower spiral up in a clockwise direction?

The White Tower could be described as the beating heart of the Tower of London.

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Saddlers Hall Cheapside | WW2 Photos

Posted on 11th Dec 2014 by Posted in East End Locations

Images from East London showing the destruction from German bombs during World War Two. Images scanned from a genuine copy of The London Evening news magazine, handed down to me from my grandfather.

Saddler’s Hall – 40 Gutter Lane London

The following account was written just after the War ended. Between Foster Lane and Gutter Lane, and behind Cheapside’s north facade,

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Fore Street Textile Warehouse | WW2 Photos

Posted on 11th Dec 2014 by Posted in East End Locations

Images from East London showing the destruction from German bombs during World War Two. Images scanned from a genuine copy of The London Evening news magazine, handed down to me from my grandfather.

Textile Warehouse – Fore Street London

In Fore Street one of the largest wholesale textile warehouses in the City went up in flames between December 29th / 30th,

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Brewers Quay Port of London | WW2 Photos

Posted on 11th Dec 2014 by Posted in East End Locations

Images from East London showing the destruction from German bombs during World War Two. Images scanned from a genuine copy of The London Evening news magazine, handed down to me from my grandfather.

Brewers Quay – Tower Stairs

One of the oldest wharves in the Port of London was hit several times in Germany’s earliest attacks on the Port.

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Cannon Street London | WW2 Photos

Posted on 11th Dec 2014 by Posted in East End Locations

Images from East London showing the destruction from German bombs during World War Two. Images scanned from a genuine copy of The London Evening news magazine, handed down to me from my grandfather.

Cannon Street and The Blitz

One result of Germany’s fire blitz on the night of December 29th, 1940, when St. Paul’s Cathedral was ringed by fire, and of bomb explosions four months later,

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Manchester Hotel | Aldersgate Street | WW2 Photos

Posted on 11th Dec 2014 by Posted in East End Locations

Images from East London showing the destruction from German bombs during World War Two. Images scanned from a genuine copy of The London Evening news magazine, handed down to me from my grandfather.

Manchester Hotel – Aldersgate Street London

The Manchester Hotel, at the corner of Aldersgate Street and Long Lane was attacked by German bombs in December 1940, and gutted by the subsequent fire.

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All Hallows Barking | WW2 Photos

Posted on 11th Dec 2014 by Posted in East End Locations

Images from East London showing the destruction from German bombs during World War Two. Images scanned from a genuine copy of The London Evening news magazine, handed down to me from my grandfather.

All Hallows by the Tower – Byward Street

Founded in 675, it is one of the oldest churches in London. Toc H church, All Hallows Barking was blasted by German bombs in December 1940 and three weeks later was completely burned out.

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London City Mission | Bridewell Place | WW2 Photos

Posted on 11th Dec 2014 by Posted in East End Locations

Images from East London showing the destruction from German bombs during World War Two. Images scanned from a genuine copy of The London Evening news magazine, handed down to me from my grandfather.

London City Mission – Bridewell Place EC4

When German bombs came to Bridewell Place on December 29th, 1940, two top floors of London City Mission were destroyed.

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Hackney a Brief History

Posted on 29th Apr 2014 by Posted in East End Locations

Stepney in East london

Although Hackney sits in the very heart of the busy East End, we should not forget that this area was once a small rural series of hamlets. It became popular with medieval royals as an area close to London where they could relax and enjoy the outdoor life and over the years Hackney developed into one of the most cosmopolitan parts of London. Rich in history, there are also plenty of things to see and do if you come to E8 for a visit.

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The Hackney Empire History

Posted on 29th Apr 2014 by Posted in East End Locations

The Hackney Empire is probably the best known theatre in the East End that is still open for business. This was one of the main music hall theatres to entertain local East Enders in Victorian times and it has seen more than a few past and present well-known names grace its stage during its time.

The building of the Hackney Empire

The theatre was originally constructed in 1901 as a music hall by the famous theatre architect,

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The History of Sutton House Hackney

Posted on 29th Apr 2014 by Posted in East End Locations

Although much of the East End has been renovated over the years and the area is seen as being more modern than traditional, you can still find historical buildings in the area that hark back to older times. A visit to Hackney, for example, could include a trip to an authentic Grade II listed Tudor house, Sutton House.

Tudor London – Visiting Sutton House in Hackney

This is considered to be the oldest residential building in the Hackney area and,

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Visit Hackney Museum

Posted on 29th Apr 2014 by Posted in East End Locations

If you find yourself with some time to spare in Hackney, perhaps after or before a visit to the area’s Tudor Sutton House or Roman Road market, then you may enjoy popping into the local museum on Reading Lane.

Established in 2002, this museum gives you an interesting insight into the lives of the people who have lived in this area of the East End and even gives you a chance to take a look at the famous Hackney Hoard!

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History of St Augustine’s Tower Hackney

Posted on 29th Apr 2014 by Posted in East End Locations

Little remains of the original 16th century parish church that once stood in Hackney and served the local population’s religious needs for centuries. But, luckily, its historic church tower has been preserved even though the church itself was demolished in 1798.

If you find yourself in the Hackney area on a day when it is open to the public, it gives you the perfect chance to take a look around a Grade I listed church tower with some exceptional 16th century features and a fantastic panoramic view over London.

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Visit Spitalfields City Farm

Posted on 29th Apr 2014 by Posted in East End Locations

If you’re visiting London and you want some time out away from city life, then the East End’s Spitalfields area has the ideal solution for you. In the middle of the urban East End, just ten minutes’ walk from Liverpool Street station, you can visit the rural tranquillity of the Spitalfields City Farm.

This is an especially great place to visit if you have been dragging the kids around London and want to do something that appeals to them!

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History of House Mill on Three Mills Island

Posted on 29th Apr 2014 by Posted in East End Locations

The East End of London started life as a predominantly rural area. However, its proximity to the edge of the city and its easy access to water soon turned it into the capital’s industrial heart. If you are interested in learning more about the city’s milling heritage, then make a visit to the House Mill. Located close to the Olympic Park, in the heart of the East End, the mill is the oldest and largest tidal mill in the country.

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Visit Newham City Farm

Posted on 29th Apr 2014 by Posted in East End Locations

If you find yourself in the Beckton area of the East End, then make sure to make a visit to the Newham City Farm, especially if you have animal loving kids with you.

This is one of London’s oldest and most popular city farms, giving you a chance to spend some time with over 200 different kinds of animals in a rural oasis right in the heart of the city’s East End.

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Visit The Whitechapel Art Gallery

Posted on 29th Apr 2014 by Posted in East End Locations

You may not automatically associate London’s East End with art galleries, but the area is home to many famous and popular venues, including the Whitechapel Gallery. Founded in the early 20th century, this gallery has hosted many famous exhibitions over the years and has had a major part to play in the development of many British artists. It is well worth a visit if you find yourself in the Whitechapel area.

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Visit Mudchute Park and Farm

Posted on 28th Mar 2014 by Posted in East End Locations

Canary Wharf, Isle of Dogs

The East End’s Isle of Dogs may not be the first place you think about visiting when you want to enjoy green spaces and fresh air, but the local Mudchute community on the island has created a lovely park with a large city farm that is well worth a visit.

This really is a get-away-from-it-all green experience in the heart of urban London.

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History of Tower Hamlets Cemetery Park

Posted on 28th Mar 2014 by Posted in East End Locations

Tower Hamlets in London

Visiting a cemetery may not seem like a whole load of fun, but if you find yourself near Mile End then you should take a detour to the Tower Hamlets Cemetery Park. The site was once one of the largest cemeteries in London, but it is now an impressive woodlands nature reserve.

You may just recognise the park when you get there,

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History of The Isle of Dogs London

Posted on 28th Mar 2014 by Posted in East End Locations

Canary Wharf, Isle of Dogs

Once a rural and relatively wild area of marshland that was mainly used for animal pasture, the Isle of Dogs is now the financial hub of London. Home to the impressive skyscrapers of Canary Wharf, this area has seen some massive changes and events over the centuries and is well worth a visit if you want to see how old and new London can live side by side.

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Visit London’s Last Lighthouse

Posted on 28th Mar 2014 by Posted in East End Locations

Licence holder http://www.flickr.com/photos/martinrp/1073336225/

If you find yourself in Leamouth in the East End’s Tower Hamlets area, you will be able to see the last remaining lighthouse still standing in London. Also known as Bow Creek lighthouse, the wharf buildings around the lighthouse are now used as an arts centre and creative work space, which is open to visitors.

The lighthouse itself is no longer in use,

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The Vestry House Museum

Posted on 28th Mar 2014 by Posted in East End Locations

If you are visiting Walthamstow, you can easily pass a few hours in its local museum, Vestry House. This charming building is Grade II listed and has been used for various purposes over the years, spending some years as a workhouse and a few as a police station.

Located in the pretty streets of Walthamstow Village, it is now the local museum and archives store for the Walthamstow area.

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The William Morris Gallery

Posted on 28th Mar 2014 by Posted in East End Locations

Lloyd Park in Walthamstow is home to a museum dedicated to the famous English designer and craftsman, William Morris. Morris was a member of the Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood design circle and was also one of the founders of the Arts and Craft movement.

In addition to his design work, Morris also wrote poetry and prose romances and ran a private printing press.

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The History of Bow Church London

Posted on 26th Mar 2014 by Posted in East End Locations

There has been a church at Bow in East London for over 700 years; even after various restoration works parts of its current buildings date back to the 1490s. Over the years, the church has played a part in some major historical events, from Catholic executions ordered by Mary I through to bomb damage in the Second World War.

It is also given a nod in the children’s nursery rhyme “Oranges and Lemons” – this is the home of the great bell of Bow.

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History of Poplar East London

Posted on 25th Mar 2014 by Posted in East End Locations

East London Transport

Poplar is perhaps best known at the moment as the setting for the popular Call the Midwife books and TV series. But, this area of the East End has a lot more history to it than that. It was the location for some of the worst damage inflicted on this area of London in both world wars and can even lay claim to being the home of the one of the most famous pirates of the 17th century.

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Spitalfields – East London Markets

Posted on 3rd Mar 2014 by Posted in East End Locations

Home Made Jellied Eels

If you find yourself close to Liverpool Street station with a bit of time on your hands, or feel like a visit to one of London’s best markets, then a visit to Spitalfields Market may be a good idea. There has been a market on this site, in various guises, since the 13th century and this was once the site of London’s largest fruit and vegetable wholesale market.

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London 2012 Olympics – The Legacy

Posted on 3rd Mar 2014 by Posted in East End Locations

London Olympics Stadium - East London

Despite its strong industrial and docklands history, the East End of London became one of the poorest and most deprived areas of the capital from the 1960s onwards. Its docklands industry moved into other areas and many of the commercial businesses that supported the area closed down or moved away.

News that the 2012 Olympics were going to be held in the heart of the East End in Stratford could be nothing but good news for the area,

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History of Canning Town East London

Posted on 1st Mar 2014 by Posted in East End Locations

Royal Victoria Docks

Like large parts of the East End, Canning Town once had a strong industrial heritage, but the area was originally marshland. As such, for many centuries, the only way to reach Canning Town was to boat or by paying to use a toll bridge. The area opened up in the early 19th century when the Barking Road was built.

This brought with it a larger bridge and more opportunities for connections with the rest of East London.

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Bow Back Rivers London History

Posted on 1st Mar 2014 by Posted in East End Locations

St Mary le Bow in London

Although we tend to assume that the East End of London is a primarily industrial and urban area, it actually started life as a rural area, mainly composed of agricultural land or marshland.

It also has some interesting waterways running though it that date back for centuries, such as the Bow Back Rivers, also sometimes called the Stratford Back Rivers or the Stratford Back Streams.

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A.J.Spencer on London East End Street NamesI am looking for any information on Rosher Row ? It was still there in the 1960's as I remember taking my G/Friend of the time to meet my aunt Ett
JM Tubbs on Manchester Hotel | Aldersgate Street | WW2 PhotosMy great great grandfather Henry Thomas Tubbs and his business partner Joseph Lewis built this hotel and owned it for a time after it was opened. The initial cost in 1879 was around £70,000. It originally had 240 bedrooms but was expanded. There was a second main entrance on Long
JM Tubbs on Manchester Hotel | Aldersgate Street | WW2 PhotosYou could check the 1911 census. Either a subscription or a local studies library should have one you can use.
Charles Sage on History of Canning Town East LondonI was born in 1939 and lived in Beckton rd , I can rememember after the war going to the Queens theatre in poplar to see the variety shows , I think the compare was called Buttons,does anyone else remember the theatre.
Margaret Knight ( nee Key ) on The History of Beckton Gas WorksMy father was a stoker at the gas works and we lived in one of the company houses , 46 WinsorTerrace until I married in 1957,
Charles Sage on History of Canning Town East LondonPatlrick , We lived very close to Hermit rd after moving from Beckton rd in fact we drove along there this very day , we went to the cemetery to take flowers to put on my parents grave. To put it bluntly Canning Town is like a foreign country now
Naz on Alf Garnett East London’s Famous Resident.Barnet is not rhyming slang for Alf Garnett, it is rhyming slang for Barnett Fair, that piece of slang was in use well before Johnny Speight wrote TDUDP
Patrick Blake-Kerry on History of Canning Town East LondonMakes me laugh, the talk of hop picking as I ended up living in Hampshire as my mum and brother were bombed out and evacuated in 1940. They ended up in Bentley because it was the only place the driver knew outside London. Conversly having stayed and live in Bentley
Charlie sage on History of Canning Town East LondonHi Alfie Brown ! I remember the hop picking very well they were great times down China farm , the old huts lightig the fires going so mum could get dinner going , that long walk to the shop opposite the green hill, Bert doing the toilets , scrumping in
Carol Featherstone on Second World War Bombing Raid South Hallsville SchoolMy nan and grandad Pat and Emily Murphy were killed in the school leaving my mum an orphan at six she was brought up by her nan Lou McKay
Tim Conlan on History of Poplar East LondonGrindley and Co of 21 to 23 Broomfield Street, Poplar, London, E 1868 Company established. 1914 Tar and rosin distillers. Specialities: insulating and transformer oils, black varnishes, soluble drier preparations, motor and other greases.
Jane on History of Canning Town East LondonThank you, Ray, that's such a helpful reply - much appreciated.,
A.J.Spencer on London’s East End and The BlitzMy grand parents lived in Canning Town during the Blitz and I cannot find any trace of them on any records. I am looking especially pertaining to John William Spencer who lived at 66 Bidder St, Canning town in 1913
Ken Shelton on History of Canning Town East LondonHi there, I went to both of the Stratford Grammar Schools - the first one next to West Ham Park was just around the corner from where we lived, on Shirley Rd. I remember there was a tuck shop on the corner. Lots of memories from there - thanks for
Elaine Ford on History of Poplar East LondonDoes anyone know of a company called 'Grindleys' ? or similar, was based in Poplar in the 1940's (I believe) and was eventually pulled down. I'm writing a tribute for a gentleman who worked there, he was 99 years old. The family are not sure of the spelling of the

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