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Historical Background of Tower Hamlets

The Tower Hamlets/Brick Lane area is the heart of the Bangladeshi-Sylheti community.

The area

The area

  • Brick Lane runs from Bethnal Green Road at its northern end, passes through Spitalfields and is linked to Whitechapel Road to the south.
  • It is the heart of London’s Bangladeshi-Sylheti community and is also known as Banglatown.
  • It is thought that its name originates from the local earth, which was used by brick and tile manufacturers in the fifteenth century.
17th century

17th century

  • By the seventeenth century, the street had also become a popular location for breweries.
  • The seventeenth century saw an influx of French Huguenots who had been driven out of France.
  • The street and the surrounding area became well known for its weaving and tailoring industries.

Modern Times in the Tower Hamlets Area

The area has become a haven for immigrants moving to London to escape persecution abroad.

Immigrants

Immigrants

  • In the 20th century, it had both an Irish and Jewish population.
  • More recently, the area has become known as Banglatown as this has become a popular place for immigrants from Bangladesh, particularly Bengalis.
  • Evidence of migration can be seen by a Huguenot church, a Methodist chapel, a Jewish synagogue and Muslim mosque standing among traditional and new shops, restaurants, markets and homes.
Art, fashion and food

Art, fashion and food

  • It has been suggested that the street is THE place to go for a curry or a balti in London, especially for authentic Bangladeshi cooking.
  • The area has also developed a vibrant art and fashion scene e.g. the Old Truman Brewery has been transformed from vacant, derelict buildings into office, retail, leisure and event spaces.
Jump to other topics
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Tectonic Processes & Hazards

2

Option 2A: Glaciated Landscapes & Change

3

Option 2B: Coastal Landscapes & Change

4

Globalisation

5

Option 4A: Regenerating Places

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Option 4B: Diverse Places

7

The Water Cycle & Water Insecurity (A2 only)

8

The Carbon Cycle & Energy Security (A2 only)

9

Superpowers (A2 only)

10

Option 8A: Health & Human Rights (A2 only)

11

Option 8B: Migration & Identity (A2 only)

Practice questions on Background

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