6.6.1

Background

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Historical Background of Tower Hamlets

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

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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.
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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.

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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.
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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

1Tectonic Processes & Hazards

2Option 2A: Glaciated Landscapes & Change

3Option 2B: Coastal Landscapes & Change

4Globalisation

5Option 4A: Regenerating Places

6Option 4B: Diverse Places

7The Water Cycle & Water Insecurity (A2 only)

8The Carbon Cycle & Energy Security (A2 only)

9Superpowers (A2 only)

10Option 8A: Health & Human Rights (A2 only)

11Option 8B: Migration & Identity (A2 only)

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