The East End is one of the most famous parts of London and it has had
its own distinctive identity since the district was first settled in
medieval times. It is best known for extremes of poverty and
deprivation, for strong political and social movements, and for the
extraordinary mix of immigrants who have shaped its history. Jonathan
Oates's handbook is the ideal guide to its complex, rich and varied
story and it is an essential source for anyone who wants to find out
about an East End ancestor or carry out their own research into the
area.
He outlines in vivid detail the development of the neighbourhoods that
constitute the East End. In a series of information-filled chapters, he
explores East End industries and employment - the docks, warehouses,
factories, markets and shops. He looks at its historic poverty and
describes how it gained a reputation for criminality, partly because of
notorious criminals like Jack the Ripper and the Krays. This dark side
to the history contrasts with the liveliness of the East End
entertainments and the strong social bonds of the immigrants who made
their home there - Huguenots, Jews, Bangladeshis and many others.
Throughout the book details are given of the records that researchers
can consult in order to delve into the history for themselves - online
sites, archives, libraries, books and museums.
