Most of the time East London was the poor neighbourhood just outside the walls of the rich City of London. However, it’s constantly changing – with different ethnic groups moving in and out – is still evolving even during the relatively short time I’ve known it.
Bevis Marks Synagoge from 1701
old and new at Spitalsfield Market
English + Bengali street sign
For centuries the East End has been the first port of call for many immigrants working in the docks. Manufacturing of Bricks began here in the 15th century. Successive waves of immigration started with Huguenot refugees spreading from Spitalfields in the 17th century. They were followed by Irish, Ashkenazi Jews and, in the last century, Bangladeshis. The area became a centre for weaving, tailoring and the clothing industry, due to the abundance of immigrant labour.
Black Eagle Brewery, established around 1680 by the Truman family
The Brick Lane Market was developed in the 17th century for fruit and vegetables sold outside the city. More recently the area has also broadened to being an art and fashion student area. Some of the art is displayed as graffiti on Brick Lane walls.
Food (and crafts) at Sunday UpMarket inside Truman Brewery
Graffiti in Sclater Street
the not very touristy section
Sunday market in Brick Lane is certainly the most colourful sight today, but I tried to capture some of the older parts of Spitalsfields and Whitechapel too. Most of them are being renovated, making this a more desirable living area than ever before.
really good beigels (northern end of Brick Lane, near Bethnal Green Rd)
one of the oldest buildings still standing in East London: Huguenot chapel in 1743, Synagoge in late 19th century, now Bangladeshi Mosque
Huguenot houses in Fournier St + BanglaCity supermarket
17 Princelet St, where Miriam Moses, 1st Woman Mayor of Stepney (in 1931) was born
old front of Spitalsfield Market
Brushfield Street store
Soup Kitchen for the Jewish Poor
Petticoat Lane Market (no, I was not shoe shopping here)
Artillery Passage - representative for the Jack-the-Ripper era 1888
Hi UJ(travelling),
I was looking in your blog for the picture that featured the cigarette man.
Can you tell which picture has the best pose?
Thanks,
Tricky
Yes. I am writing a book on Hebrew and Jewish modernism in Europe. I would like to use your photograph of the Soup Kitchen for the Jewish Poor. Could you send me, in a private message, your email so we could be in contact?
Thanks,
Shachar Pinsker
[...] history, down in Brick Lane, one of the hipster/bohemian parts of town. As it used to be the Jewish Quarter there was ”beigel” place from 1855. Has a synagogue from 1701! Living in the [...]