The East End is one of the oldest parts of London – and an area where displaced people from other parts of the capital often ended up. Whilst many people disregard the East End as a poor example of a ‘traditional’ London Tourist Attraction there is still so much to see. Terrible slums existed for centuries, and even when these were torn down, they were replaced by buildings that are still steeped in history today. Buildings like The London Hospital – home for many years to Joseph Merrick, The Elephant Man.
One definite London Tourist Attraction – if you can find it – is Dennis Severs House. Tucked up a side street in deepest Spitalfields, it feels as though it has been preserved almost exactly as it was all those centuries ago. A walk around the building gives the visitor the impression that they have stepped back into another time.
Even after life, the East End remains the home for many as the Jewish Cemetery on North Road, hidden from prying eyes, proves. Threatened by the developers, it has been saved by the actions of one of the richest families in the country.
To discover these and many more fascinating East End buildings, read on…
THE LONDON HOSPITAL
The London Hospital was originally founded in September 1740 and went by the name of The London Infirmary. It changed its name to The London Hospital in 1748 and on its 250th anniversary in 1990 changed its name once more, this time becoming the The Royal London Hospital (more)
THE WHITECHAPEL BELL FOUNDRY
Just off the Whitechapel Road in the East End lies a small, fairly insignificant looking doorway. It may not look as imposing as other London tourist attractions, but venture beyond and you will find (more)
DENNIS SEVERS’ HOUSE
Despite initial appearances, Dennis Severs’ House is not a museum at all, but a private house that is open to members of the general public and acts as a sort of ‘time capsule’ to The East End of London’s past (more)
EXECUTION DOCK, WAPPING
Execution Dock was used for over 400 years by the Admiralty courts to execute pirates, smugglers and mutineers that had been sentenced to death (more)
WILTON’S MUSIC HALL
Half hidden down a small pedestrian path called Graces Alley, a short way between Cable Street and The Highway in the East End is Wilton’s Music Hall (more)
BRADY STREET JEWISH CEMETERY
A short stroll away from bustling Whitechapel Tube Station, hides Brady Street Cemetery – part of the strong Jewish influence that had come to dominate Spitalfields and the surrounding areas (more)
WAPPING POLICE STATION MUSEUM
Wapping Police Station is the site of the oldest police force in the world. Formed in 1798 it has a museum that shows all aspects of river policing and can be visited by members of the public (more)