Bethnal Green and Bow were originally isolated hamlets, growing steadily until the end of the 19th century when industrialisation of the area peaked. The buildings in Bethnal Green and Bow mirror this evolution, beginning with Bow Church and scattered dwellings centred around the green in Bethnal Green. In the 17th century the area was characterised by a few large houses, most of which were occupied by courtiers or merchants from the City, and Trinity Green Almshouses. Nineteenth century housing includes Leopold Buildings, a historic tenement block built in 1872 by The Improved Industrial Dwellings Company. The Administration Building at Queen Mary University was originally built as The People’s Palace in 1892 to educate the local population and provide a place of entertainment. After the destruction of the Second World War, Bethnal Green was one of the most architecturally progressive areas in London with noteworthy examples of Brutalist post-war schemes, such as the blocks on the Greenways Estate and The Cranbrook Estate.Bethnal Green and Bow in 50 Buildings explores the history of this fascinating area of East London through a selection of its most interesting buildings and structures, showing the changes that have taken place over the years. The book will appeal to all those who live in Bethnal Green or Bow or who have an interest in the area.
