What is a fun fact about Spitalfields?

From the 1880s to 1970s Spitalfields was overwhelmingly Jewish and probably one of the largest Jewish communities in Europe with over 40 Synagogues.

What is Spitalfields famous for?

Weaving, always a London activity, became a mainstay of Spitalfields, in particular the silk weaving industry imported by French Huguenots. Today's tailoring textile, garment and leather trades are a continuation of that tradition.

How old is Spitalfields Market?

There has been a regular market in Spitalfields since 1682, when King Charles II granted a Royal Charter for a market to be held there every Thursday and Saturday. For 200 years the market's mix of sheds and stalls fed London's growing appetite for fresh fruit and vegetables, expanding to trade six days a week.

Who lives in Spitalfields?

Spitalfields has always been a welcoming place for immigrants and refugees who sought a new life in London. In the 17th century, many Huguenots (French Protestants) fled from religious persecution in France and settled in Spitalfields.

Is Spitalfields a nice part of London?

One of the best areas of East London is found in the Whitechapel neighbourhood, which has two famous markets, Block Lane, and Old Spitalfields Market. Adjacent to Victoria Park, Columbia Road Market, Shoreditch, and Old Road nightlife is also close by, and you can reach central London through a fast flight.

5 THINGS TO DO IN SPITALFIELDS, LONDON | Brick Lane | Old Spitalfields Market | Street Art

Why is Spitalfields so called?

Spitalfields takes its name from the hospital and priory, St. Mary's Spittel which was founded in 1197. Lying in the heart of the East End, it is an area known for its spirit and a strong sense of community. It was in a field next to the priory where the now-famous market first started in the thirteenth century.

Is Spitalfields a nice area to live?

Spitalfields area guide

The vibrant mix of communities and activities lends an off - beat vibe that attracts young Londoners who gravitate towards the numerous bars, clubs, fashion outlets and graduate art shows with several outdoor festivals taking place during the warmer months.

Is Spitalfields market worth visiting?

Spitalfields and Shoreditch is a very nice areas of London. The indoor market, although has a long history of being a fruit and vegetable market, is now full of restaurants and funky shops. The area around the market is worth exploring with graffiti art and old alleyways and pubs worth exploring.

What county is Spitalfields?

It was a Hamlet (autonomous area) of the large ancient parish of Stepney in Middlesex, and became an independent parish in 1729. Just outside the City of London, it formed part of the County of London from 1889 and was part of the Metropolitan Borough of Stepney from 1900.

Which part of London is Spitalfields?

Spitalfields, neighbourhood in the London borough of Tower Hamlets. It is situated just east of the Bishopsgate section of the former London Wall. In the Middle Ages it belonged to the priory and hospital, or “spital,” of St. Mary, which was founded in 1197 by Walter and Rose Brown.

What did Spitalfields sell?

For the next 200 years, the market traded from a collection of sheds and stalls, doing its best to cope with London's growing appetite for fresh fruit and vegetables. As time went by, it became a centre for the sale of home-grown produce, which was being traded there six days a week.

What type of market was Spitalfields?

Wholesale Market

In 1682, King Charles II officially granted John Balch a Royal Charter allowing him to hold a market every Thursday and Saturday in Spital Square. Over time, the market became one of the main fruit and vegetable markets for London — alongside Covent Garden Market.

Where did Spitalfields move to?

Smithfield, Billingsgate and New Spitalfields markets to move to Dagenham Dock. The City of London has received the green light to relocate its three historic food markets to a purpose-built site at Dagenham Dock in east London.

What is the biggest market in London?

London's world-famous market road

The market stalls stretch for a mile all the way down Portobello Road and round the corner into Golborne Road. Whether you are just out for a stroll, people watch, looking for a bargain or out to grab a bite to eat, Portobello Road is a great place to spend your time exploring.

Which market is the best in London?

What are Spitalfields hospital fields?

The History of Spitalfields

An abbreviation of 'hospital fields', Spitalfields refers to the open land which lay behind and to the east of “The New Hospital of St Mary without Bishopgate” built in 1197.

What is the history of Spitalfields and Banglatown?

By the mid-20th century Spitalfields' Jews were moving away to suburbs in north and east London. A Bengali community established itself in the 1960s – although Muslims from the Sylhet district of Assam had been settling here since the late 19th century. The area around Brick Lane has accordingly been dubbed Banglatown.

What is London's county called?

London is located in the county of Greater London, an administrative area that includes 32 boroughs plus the City of London.

What is the best time to visit Spitalfields?

Spitalfields Market is surrounded by offices, studios and retailers in East London's finance and creative hub, so if you want to avoid the busiest lunch and dinner hours come by in the morning 08:00-12:00 or after 15:00.

What is London's most famous shopping street called?

Wander along Oxford Street – one of the most famous London shopping streets – which is home to more than 300 shops, designer outlets, high-street chains and landmark stores.

Why are there elephants at Spitalfields Market?

Elephant trail at Old Spitalfields Market

Leading the herd is the matriarch, symbolic of the mother and family each of the infant elephants, in the care of the Sheldrick Trust, lost when they became orphaned. Each smaller elephant represents the real-life herd, from loyal Maisha through to brave Sattao.

What is the safest district to live in London?

Safest Neighborhoods in London: TL;DR Summary

The 5 safest boroughs in London to live are Kingston Upon Thames, Richmond Upon Thames, Sutton, Bexley, and Merton. The most dangerous areas to stay within Central London are Westminster, Tower Hamlets, Lambeth, Hackney, and Tower Hamlets.

Where do middle class live in London?

Middle class: Greenwich, Hackney, Wandsworth, Lewisham, Tuffnel Park, Camden, Lee Green, Ealing, Acton, Outer Suburbs in South London, nearby towns, some suburbs West of London Working class: Walthamstow, Lee Valley, Lewisham, Southwark, Tower Hamlets, Essex outside London Upper class: Kensington and Chelsea (most but ...

Where is best to live in London?