East London History The People, The Places

Discover the places, the people and the history of East London. Professionally researched guide book telling the real story of the East End. We have many perceptions of the East End of London in Great Britain. This has, historically, been one of the poorest areas of London but it is also the hub of much of the city's profits and industry.

London's East End is situated, unsurprisingly enough, in the eastern side of the city. Often ignored by tourists who clamour for the glamour of the West End, this area is actually steeped in history with interesting things to see and do. Read about East London's role in WW2 and also the tragedies of WW1 that occurred in the area.

East London is relatively quiet in tourist terms so makes a great day out if you want some downtime. Home of the traditional Londoner, the Cockney, today's East End is a melting pot of different cultures.

Yes, some of your preconceptions about the area are probably true. You can still buy jellied eels and pie and mash from traditional shops. Locals born within the sound of Bow Bells still qualify as being Cockneys and rhyming slang is not quite brown bread yet.

About the author: I grew up on the Essex fringes of London's true East End and have been fascinated by the ever-changing history and landscape of the area. Visitors and tourists to London may only ever explore the City centre but for those that care to travel further east, a rich and rewarding travel adventure awaits.

So much of London's history owes a debt to the East End. Colourful characters, famous architecture, hidden treasures of changing life over the years.