A-Z of Whitechapel

For centuries, Whitechapel has been at the centre of multi-cultural Britain. It has offered sanctuary to successive waves of immigrants fleeing religious intolerance, pogroms and poverty: Huguenots from France, Irish, Jews from Eastern Europe and Bangladeshis, each overlaying their own vibrant culture on the area. The area has been associated with notorious crimes in the past, not least Jack the Ripper, 19th century body snatchers, the Kray twins and other gangsters, as well as social reformers such as George Peabody and William Booth who founded the Salvation Army in Whitechapel, and today is undergoing massive changes once again as the East End witnesses a resurgence.

In A-Z of Whitechapel author Andy Bull reveals the history behind Whitechapel, its streets and buildings, industries and the people connected with this part of East London. Alongside the famous historical connections, he includes some unusual characters, tucked away places and unique events that are less well-known. Readers will discover tales of Elizabethan theatres and Victorian freak shows, artists and writers, Whitechapel’s connection with Joseph Stalin and the area’s brewing and bell-founding heritage among many other fascinating facts in this A-Z tour of Whitechapel’s history. It is fully illustrated with photography and will appeal to all those with an interest in this historic East London district.