More about the east end

London's east end has a unique past AND present. Frances' post about street art really highlights a vital part of that neighbourhood. She and Scott are doing a walking tour of east end street art on Friday to learn more. 

During yesterday's food tour, I was struck by the area's personality. 

This picture shows a juxtaposition of old and new. The newer building in the rear is student housing. A STUDIO with shared facilities in there goes for £250/week! Most of the buildings are 18-19th century and are experiencing a realty revival. One space recently sold for £3 million!!!

Once upon a time there was, of all things, a window tax: the more windows you had, the more tax you paid.  To avoid this, people bricked up their windows. 

This was a women's night refuge. Not sure of its dates, except that it only closed in 1999. There was a men's section as well; you can see the gents lined up on the left in the historical photo. 

Here's the men's door today. 

Look at these gorgeous shutters on this 18th century facade. 

And this fabulous door knocker. 

A gorgeous block. I think these are mostly flats. 

More gorgeousness. 

This one is kept looking tatty because it's used in period films and TV shows. 

Then you come to this, a box park.  It's shipping crates/containers all stationed together, side-by-side, into tiny stores. There's even a Gap one. Originally they were designed as temporary 3-month spaces, but some have lasted longer; they were part of a revitalization plan when the economy took a bad turn. 

And purple garbage bins!  Hello!  

And badgers!

And giant bows and arrows!

The Jewish soup kitchen only closed in 1992. Over one hundred thousand Jewish people were living in the east end at one point.  Now there are 56 curry houses!

This little area's streets were Artillery Row, Artillery St., and Gun St. It used to be Henry VIII's shooting range!

And my favourite: park here, and your car will get pooped on.