Background
Geography: Edexcel A Level, topic 6.6.1
Historical Background of Tower Hamlets
The Tower Hamlets/Brick Lane area is the heart of the Bangladeshi-Sylheti community.
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
- 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
- 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
- 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.
Test yourself on Background
What is the Tower Hamlets/Brick Lane area also known as?
What has been transformed from vacant, derelict buildings into office, retail, leisure and event spaces?