The East End of London

Where is it and what it looks like

  Although there are no exact boundaries, The East End is the area which is located east of the City of London and north of the River Thames. The area is rich with historical and cultural intrests. Let us introduce you some parts of the East End!

The Tower of London
    The tower of London is one of the most famous historical spot in London and sited in the East End. It was built by William I, the Norman Conquest in 11 century. After that, it has been enlarged for hundreds of years by successive kings. From William I to James I except for Elizabeth I lived in this castle. However, Jews had been incarcerated in 1282, it had become a jail rather than castle. Since 14^th century, it was also used as execution ground. You can see venue for public execution in the castle as a memorial now.

The Yeoman Warders, or the Tower’s guards, give regular guided tours starting next to the Middle Tower for free. The audio guide is also available, it costs you £3 with student discount. You can explore yourself in line with some themes such as the Medieval Palace, Imprisonment and Execution and the Crown Jewels. You can easily get to the tower of London by Tube or by bus. The nearest station is Tower Hill. The ticket price is £15.5, if you are a student. Its opening hours is around 9am to 5pm, but please note that it changes depending on the season.

Living arrangement

The East End is a downtown in contrast with the West End. This area has been progressed as an industrial area since the Industrial revolution. Therefore, many low-paid workers lived in this zone. In the late 19^th century, London became a big city with a large population. Hence, poverty groups and immigrants population were moved to the East End. That is why the East End represented for poverty, criminal, disease. As a result, the East End became slam. After WWII, this district was redeveloped as a residential area and a center of new commerce.

If you walk around the East End, you will realize that there is variety of ethnic groups. Also, there are ethnic streets such as Bangladesh. If you would like to see how the Bangladesh Street is or try some Indian food, you should visit there. Like Korean town in Shinokubo, Tokyo, there are some local super markets and restaurants in the East End. So you should compare with them when you look around the East End.

Today’s East End

As you see, the East End is diversity area. It was known the rundown area some time ago, however, the area has been changing dramatically recently. There are many Markets worth visiting.

   Brick Lane Market is located at the northern end of Brick Lane and along Cheshire Street. It operates every Sunday from around 8am to 2pm. From vintage clothes to furniture, you can find almost anything in this Market! Bargain hunters from across London value it greatly. There are also many food stands. This area is famous enclave of Indians and other Asians, so you can choose from such a variety of quality such as Indian, Turkish, Jamaican, Chinese and more! If you don’t know what to eat, the best advice probably just to choose from with the biggest queues.
   Old Spitalfields Market is in near the Liverpool St. Station. Its origin goes back to 17^th Century when Charles I of England gave a license for fruits and vegetables to be sold. Spitalfields Market is now one of London’s top markets. Market Stalls are open Thursday (Antiques & vintage), Friday (Fashion & are) and Sunday (All stalls: Busiest day) from around 9am to 5pm.

   Beside these Markets, there are lots of galleries and shops since many artists and designers have moved to this area. The East End is no longer considered just a Sunday destination it has evolved into one of London's favorite and most vibrant areas.

 

Remember to visit

   When you visit the East End, you may think it is very different from the West End. It’s full of local color and you never get tired of wandering. You will be able to find cheaper food, clothes and stuffs than the West End. That is why the East End is so popular among young people or tourists. Be sure to visit the East End; one of the hottest area in London today!!

editting by Kanae Asari, Maiko Yanagawa.