Travel Spitalfields Map

Travel to Spitalfields Map

Spitalfields tourist guide map of landmarks & destinations by Walkfo

Spitalfields history

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Origins

The Romans had a cemetery to the east of the Bishopsgate thoroughfare, which roughly follows the line of Ermine Street: the main highway to the north from Londinium. In 1197, a priory, “The New Hospital of St Mary without B bishopsgate”, latterly known as St Mary Spital, founded by Walter Brunus and his wife Roisia, was built on the site of the cemetery. It was one of the biggest hospitals in medieval England and had a large medieval cemetery.

Huguenots

Huguenot refugees settled in the area after the Revocation of the Edict of Nantes in 1685. By settling outside the bounds of the City of London, they hoped to avoid the restrictive legislation of the city guilds. The late 17th and 18th centuries saw an estate of well-appointed terraced houses, built to accommodate the master weavers controlling the silk industry, and grand urban mansions.

Victorian era

By the Victorian era, the silk industry had entered a long decline and the old merchant dwellings had degenerated into multi-occupied slums. By the later 19th century, inner Spitalfields became known as the worst criminal rookery in London. In 1881 Flower and Dean Street was described as being “perhaps the foulest and most dangerous street in London”

Modern Spitalfields

In the late 20th century the Jewish presence diminished and was replaced by an influx of Bangladeshi immigrants. By 1981, at least 60% of households were of minority ethnic origin. In the 21st century, large modern office blocks were built between Bishopsgate and Spitalfields Market. These represent an expansion of the City of London, northwards.

  

Spitalfields map & travel guide with history & landmarks to explore

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Tourist Guide to Spitalfields Map

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Walkfo Spitalfields travel map key: visit National Trust sites, Blue Plaques, English Heritage locations & top travel destinations in Spitalfields