Spitalfields lies right next door to the City, London’s financial district, but the contrast between the character and history of the two areas could hardly be greater. Today, Spitalfields is a place of street markets, not financial markets, of lively clubs, restaurants and bars. In the past, like the rest of London’s East End, Spitalfields’ dark streets and alleys discouraged visitors. It had a reputation for lawlessness, but also for creativity, radicalism and humour. It was a place where businesses grew, using cheap labour and skills provided by waves of immigrants who settled in the area. On this walk, we will see some of those immigrants’ homes – from hostels to grand Georgian houses – and their places of worship. We will pass through atmospheric alleyways which recall the past and along a street world famous for its markets, clubs and curry houses!
Start: Aldgate Underground Station, EC3N 1AH
End: Liverpool Street Station
Andrew Parnell Guide
