History of Whitechapel

Whitechapel takes its name from a small 14th century chapel small dedicated to St Mary. Destroyed during World War II, the site is now a public garden with partial ruins of the chruch. Whitechapel High Street was originally a Roman road linking London to Colchester.

In the 17th century, the area attracted businesses which could not be close to the City due to the smells and pollution such as tanneries, foundries and slaughterhouses. London’s Big ben was made at the Whitechapel Foundry.

By the mid 19th century, Whitechapel, as much of the East End was overcrowded, with its population living in the most insalubrious conditions. Crime and prostitution were rife particularly in the small streets running off the high road. The police recorded as 60 brothels at the time. The area was the scene of the Whitechapel Murders, some committed by Jack the Ripper.

J. Merrick (the ‘Elephant Man’) used to be exhibited in the area before being helped at the nearby Royal London Hospital (where there is a museum about his life).

As most of the East End, the area suffered greatly from the Blitz.

Today, the area has a strong Bangladeshi community. People come from all over London for its famed curries on Brick Lane. During the late 80s, the area attracted many young people looking for cheap accomodation and a more bohemian and culturally diverse life style. This gradually pushed prices up. Currently, the area is being further developped with old buildings being replaced with high spec apartments which could lead to poorer people being driven out of the area. Nevertheless, it still is populated by a very diverse mix of Eastenders, Bangladeshis, Jews, artists and City workers. Properties range from ex-local authority, warehouse conversions, Georgian terraces and new build apartments. It has a vibrant nightlife, many restaurants and world famous markets.

Places of interest – Click here for more information

• Brock Lane Market • Brick Lane • Columbia Flower Market • Whitechapel Art Gallery • Spitalfields Market

Transport Links – Visit Transport for London for more information

Whitechapel – East London, Hammersmith & City and District Lines

Aldgate East – Hammersmith & City and District Lines

Local Authority

Tower Hamlets – http://www.towerhamlets.gov.uk/

Council tax bands for 2007/2008

Please note you should always check the value of your property on the 1st April 1991 to ensure you are in the correct council tax band.

Council Tax band	A	B	C	D	E	F	G	H
Property Values as of April 1991	Up to £40K	£40 to £52K	£52K to £68K	£68K to £88K	£88K to £120K	£120K to £160K	£160K to £320K	over £320K
Tower Hamlets LA	£783.64	£914.25	£1,044.86	£1,175.46	£1,436.67	£1,697.89	£1,959.10	£2,350.92

Average Rental and Sale prices for Whitechapel (E1)

	Postcode	Area	1 Bedrooms	2 Bedrooms	3 Bedrooms	Bigger
To Rent	E1	Whitechapel	£329 pw	£447 pw	£588 pw	£580 pw
For Sale	E1	Whitechapel	£364,000	£527,000	£534,000	£628,000

School League tables – Click here for School League Tables

For Primary Schools in Tower Hamlets please click here
For Secondary Schools in Tower Hamlets please click here
For colleges in Tower Hamlets please click here

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