Tower Hamlets
Explore hidden histories, historic photos, and things you never knew about Tower Hamlets from the collections and archives of Historic England.
Discover your local listed buildings and places
Introducing some of Tower Hamlets' most historic sites, included in the National Heritage List for England. Some of these captions have been summarised by AI. Click through for the official List entry.
Virginia Quay Settlers Monument
Tower Hamlets
A free-standing stone and bronze monument of 1951, incorporating a bronze plaque of 1928 and with later sculptural additions of 1999, commemorating the departure of settlers for Jamestown,...
Shadwell Basin Housing, 5-54 (cons) Maynards Quay, 1-62 (…
Tower Hamlets
Flats, maisonettes and houses comprising the Newlands Quay, Maynards Quay and Peartree Lane developments.
Isle of Dogs Pumping Station, including transformer house…
Tower Hamlets
Storm water pumping station, 1986-1988 by John Outram Associates for the London Docklands Development Corporation and Thames Water.
Tower of London
Tower Hamlets
The Tower of London evolved from a 13th-century tower keep to an enclosure castle, symbolizing Crown authority, serving as a landmark in military architecture and housing the first English...
Former Bromley Hall School for the Physically Handicapped
Tower Hamlets
School for physically disabled children, designed 1965 and built 1967-8 by the LCC/GLC Architects' Department under job architect Bob Giles; extended 1978-9.
Victoria Park
Tower Hamlets
Victoria Park, established in the 19th century, features historical design by James Pennethorne, lush landscaping by Curtis and Gibson, and offers rich cultural significance in London's East...
Brick Lane Jamme Masjid (Former Neuve Eglise)
Tower Hamlets
French protestant chapel, 1743-4, converted into a synagogue in 1897 and into a mosque in 1976, with further internal alterations in 1986.
Balfron Tower
Tower Hamlets
High-rise block of flats and maisonettes, 1965-7 by Ernö Goldfinger, built as phase 1 of the London County Council (later Greater London Council -GLC) Brownfield Estate.Mixed development...
Whitechapel Bell Foundry, 32-34 Whitechapel Road, 2 Field…
Tower Hamlets
Bell foundry established in the 1740s with extensions and modifications of the early and late C19 and C20. Read the official list entry to find out more.
Ye Olde Axe
Hackney
Public house, late C19, for Edward John Rose and Co. Later alterations. Read the official list entry to find out more.
Tower of London
Tower Hamlets
The official listing for all World Heritage sites is held by UNESCO and can be found on their website.
East India Dock House, former Financial Times Print Works
Tower Hamlets
The former production and printing works for the Financial Times, 1987-88, by Nicholas Grimshaw and Partners. Converted to a data centre in the late 1990s.
Police Station and Stables
Tower Hamlets
Police station, 1903, by John Dixon Butler, Surveyor to the Metropolitan Police, and police stables and accommodation, 1937-8, by Gilbert Mackenzie Trench, Dixon Butler's successor.
The former London Chest Hospital, the south wing of 1863-…
Tower Hamlets
The former London Chest Hospital, a specialist hospital built in 1851-5 to the design of F W Ordish, with G Myers as builder, including the cast-iron verandahs of 1900, the South Wing of...
The Palm Tree public house, Mile End
Tower Hamlets
'Improved' public house, c1935 by Eedle and Meyers for Truman's Brewery. Read the official list entry to find out more.
Tredegar House
Tower Hamlets
Former Training Home for Pupil Probationers, 1911, by Rowland Plumbe for the London Hospital. Converted to flats late C20 by David Wood Architects.
The Novo Cemetery
Tower Hamlets
Sephardi Jewish cemetery, opened in 1733, the surviving portion being part of an extension of 1855. Read the official list entry to find out more.
Former Caird and Rayner Premises
Tower Hamlets
Former ships chandler's workshop and sail loft, 1869 by William Cubitt and Company, engineering workshop and service range, 1893-1897 by Marshall and Bradley, for Caird and Rayner.
Cascades
Tower Hamlets
A 20-storey residential tower of 1987-1988, by CZWG for Kentish Homes Ltd. Read the official list entry to find out more.
The Directors' House, Truman Brewery
Tower Hamlets
The Directors' House is part of the remarkably complete group of buildings which was once Truman, Hanbury and Buxton's Black Eagle Brewery.
Parish Church of St Dunstan and All Saints (The Church of…
Tower Hamlets
The Parish Church of St Dunstan and All Saints, known as "The Church of the High Seas," is a historic structure with elements from the 10th to the 19th century, featuring significant...
Roman Bath House, Shadwell
Tower Hamlets
Roman bath house preserved by foundation design underneath a C21 building. Read the official list entry to find out more.
Former Poplar Town Hall (Bow House)
Tower Hamlets
Former Poplar Town Hall, now business centre. Culpin & Son, 1937-8. Later alterations including an attic storey which is not of special interest.
Church of St Mary Stratford Bow
Tower Hamlets
This 14th-century church, heavily restored in the 19th and 20th centuries, features a historical tower, bomb damage restoration by Goodhart-Rendel, and is Grade II* listed.
Quay Walls,copings and Butresses to Import Dock and Expor…
Tower Hamlets
The West India Docks, opened in 1802, were innovative engineering works by William Jessop and Ralph Walker, crucial in modernizing the Port of London and influencing commercial dock design.
Sivill House
Tower Hamlets
Twenty-storey residential point block built to designs by Skinner, Bailey and Lubetkin, 1964-1966.Pursuant to s1 (5A) of the Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas)Act 1990 ('the...
Chrisp Street Market Clock Tower
Tower Hamlets
Clock tower, built 1952 to designs by Frederick Gibberd as part of Chrisp Street Market. Read the official list entry to find out more.
Revetment Wall to South Side of Moat, From Tower Bridge A…
Tower Hamlets
The Revetment Wall, built between 1365-70 for Edward III, is refaced with 18th and 19th-century brick and mid-19th-century stone, marking its historical significance.
The Widow's Son Public House
Tower Hamlets
The Widow's Son Public House, at Devon Road, is a notable early 19th-century victorian pub with original 1870s interiors, renowned for its sailor's legend and decorative features.
The Royal Oak
Tower Hamlets
Public house, built 1923, probably by A E Sewell, for Truman's brewery. Read the official list entry to find out more.
The Merchant Navy Memorial, First World War section
Tower Hamlets
First World War memorial by Sir Edwin Landseer Lutyens to the missing of the Merchant Navy and Fishing Fleet, 1928. Read the official list entry to find out more.
Tower Hill West
Tower Hamlets
The Tower Hill site features Roman road remains, settlement traces, and a medieval bastion, offering archaeological insights into historical usage, occupation, and construction techniques.
Tide Mill (Known As the House Mill)
Newham
The Tide Mill, dating from 1776, is historically linked to alcohol distillation. Featuring original machinery, it forms a picturesque group with the Clock Mill by the River Lea.
Brick Lane Jamme Masjid (Former School and Vestry to Neuv…
Tower Hamlets
Former school and vestry, 1743, later part of a synagogue, now part of a mosque. Probably designed by Thomas Stibbs. Read the official list entry to find out more.
A Warehouse (Skin Floor) Including Vaults Extending Under…
Tower Hamlets
The Warehouse (Skin Floor), built between 1811 and 1813 by Daniel Alexander, is a notable example of early cast iron construction in London, featuring a unique design with V-shaped raking...
The Old Hospital Block and Raised Terrace and Railings
Tower Hamlets
The Old Hospital Block in the Tower of London, dating to 1718, served originally as residences for Ordnance clerks. It's recognized for its historical and architectural value.
Tower Hamlets through time
This timeline shows the first period of use for buildings and places on the National Heritage List for England, just one of the details recorded for every list entry. Click around to see how Tower Hamlets changes over time.
Roman AD 43 to AD 410
Britain was invaded by four legions of the Roman army in AD 43, who relatively rapidly conquered England from landing points in Kent. Parts of Wales and Scotland soon followed.
Roman culture brought urbanism, monumental buildings, wide-ranging religious beliefs, writing, and strong social hierarchy. The Roman administrative system was withdrawn in AD 410.
Medieval AD 1066 to AD 1540
This period, sometimes known as the Middle Ages, began with the Norman invasion in AD 1066. It saw a significant rise in military and defensive buildings such as castles and earthworks, as well as religious houses dominating a largely agricultural landscape.
The monarchy and Church dominated the period, which also saw the break with the Roman Catholic Church and the English reformation.
Post medieval AD 1540 to AD 1901
The Post-Medieval period brought seismic changes to life in England, with religious reformation leading to the democratization of worship and the destruction of hundreds of religious houses.
In parallel, there was a huge expansion of scientific study and enlightenment that permanently altered the nation's social structure and landscape. Industrialization and mass production lead to wider global trade, emigration, and immigration.
20th century AD 1901 to AD 2000
The 20th century saw an incredible expansion of England's transport networks, with suburban growth shadowing rapid infrastructural expansion. The establishment of state schools, hospitals, and modern technical colleges, with new architectural styles, radically changed the appearance of towns and cities.
Two catastrophic world wars and the 1918 pandemic also brought unprecedented change, altering England's built environment and social structures forever.
Roman AD 43 to AD 410
Britain was invaded by four legions of the Roman army in AD 43, who relatively rapidly conquered England from landing points in Kent. Parts of Wales and Scotland soon followed.
Roman culture brought urbanism, monumental buildings, wide-ranging religious beliefs, writing, and strong social hierarchy. The Roman administrative system was withdrawn in AD 410.
Medieval AD 1066 to AD 1540
This period, sometimes known as the Middle Ages, began with the Norman invasion in AD 1066. It saw a significant rise in military and defensive buildings such as castles and earthworks, as well as religious houses dominating a largely agricultural landscape.
The monarchy and Church dominated the period, which also saw the break with the Roman Catholic Church and the English reformation.
Post medieval AD 1540 to AD 1901
The Post-Medieval period brought seismic changes to life in England, with religious reformation leading to the democratization of worship and the destruction of hundreds of religious houses.
In parallel, there was a huge expansion of scientific study and enlightenment that permanently altered the nation's social structure and landscape. Industrialization and mass production lead to wider global trade, emigration, and immigration.
20th century AD 1901 to AD 2000
The 20th century saw an incredible expansion of England's transport networks, with suburban growth shadowing rapid infrastructural expansion. The establishment of state schools, hospitals, and modern technical colleges, with new architectural styles, radically changed the appearance of towns and cities.
Two catastrophic world wars and the 1918 pandemic also brought unprecedented change, altering England's built environment and social structures forever.
Aerial photos of Tower Hamlets
Aerial photography helps reveal secrets of England's changing landscapes that are impossible to see from the ground.
Blackwall
East India Docks, Blackwall, 1921
Blackwall
Brunswick Wharf (Blackwall) Power Station, East India Docks and environs, Blackwall, 1953
Poplar
Poplar Hospital, East India Dock Road and environs, Poplar, 1935
Isle Of Dogs
East India Dock, London, viewed, 1962
London
The Tower of London and Tower Bridge, London, 1921
London
The Tower of London and Tower Bridge, London, 1953
Millwall
The Napier Yard and environs, Millwall, 1950
Millwall
The Napier Yard, Deptford Power Stations and environs, Millwall, 1950
Wapping
St George's in the East Workhouse and dockside warehouses, Wapping, 1922
Wapping
The London Docks and Shadwell district, Wapping, 1949
Tower Hamlets in the Historic England Archive
The Historic England Archive cares for over 15 million images, dating from the 1850s to the present day. Discover stunning images of Tower Hamlets' past.
Charles George Harper Collection
Tower Hill, Tower Hamlets, Greater London Authority
Date created: 1892 - 1933
Detail of graffiti by Thomas Salmon when he was held prisoner in the Tower of London
Eric de Mare
Stepney, Tower Hamlets, Greater London Authority
Date created: 1945 - 1980
Exterior view of St George in the East in Stepney showing steps to the doorway. It was built in 1714-29 by William Hawksmoor.
John Gay Collection: London
Whitechapel, Tower Hamlets, Greater London Authority
Date created: 1946 - 1959
Exterior of the Chevrah Shass Synagogue looking through the carriage archway from the street towards the doors as a woman walks past
John Gay Collection: Modern Architects
Isle Of Dogs, Tower Hamlets, Greater London Authority
Date created: 1965 - 1970
Detail view of the lower section of the staircase block in Kelson House on the Samuda Estate, a mid 1960s development of Local Authority flats in the...
John Gay Collection: Miscellaneous
Limehouse, Tower Hamlets, Greater London Authority
Date created: 1950s
Detail of the altar of The Royal Foundation of St Katherine in London's East End with inscription and decorative carving by Ralph Beyer
John Gay Collection: Counties
Tower Hill, Tower Hamlets, Greater London Authority
Date created: 1940 - 1949
A schoolboy reading the plaque marking the site of Anne Boleyn's execution in 1536 at the Tower of London
John Laing Collection
Isle Of Dogs, Tower Hamlets, Greater London Authority
Date created: 02 Feb 1970
A woman carrying a child, leaving a multi-storey block of 'Sectra' flats at Alice Shepherd House
London, Midland and Scottish Railway Company
Stepney, Tower Hamlets, Greater London Authority
Date created: 1890 - 1910
The signpost for the Fox and Yorkshire Grey public house, thought to be on Mile End Road.
Alfred Newton and Sons
Tower Hamlets, Greater London Authority
Date created: 1896 - 1920
A general view showing barrels at London Docks
Nigel Temple Collection of Postcards of Parks and Gardens
Victoria Park, Tower Hamlets, Greater London Authority
Date created: 1900 - 1905
EXTERIOR VIEW
Walter Scott
Tower Hill, Tower Hamlets, Greater London Authority
Date created: 1925 - 1945
An exterior view of the middle tower gatehouse to the Tower of London
John Gay Collection: Modern Architects
Isle Of Dogs, Tower Hamlets, Greater London Authority
Date created: 1965 - 1970
A view from ground level looking towards the top of the tower block, Kelson House on the Samuda Estate, a mid 1960s development of Local Authority...
Stories about heritage in your local area
Historic England publishes news, blogs, research, videos, and podcasts celebrating England's rich heritage. Discover the stories we have about Tower Hamlets.
What Is the Oldest Castle in England?
Mentions The White Tower
Discover the oldest English castle contenders, including the Norman Berkhamsted Castle, Windsor Castle, Dover Castle and The White Tower, London.
The Buildings of Architect Ernő Goldfinger
Mentions Balfron Tower, Glenkerry House, Carradale House
Discover the modernist buildings of Hungarian-born architect Ernő Goldfinger, including Trellick Tower, Balfron Tower and 2 Willow Road.
The Rise and Fall of Anne Boleyn in 12 Historic Places
Mentions Tower of London, Chapel of St Peter AD Vincula
Discover the locations where Anne Boleyn lived, including Hever Castle, the Tower of London, and Hampton Court Palace.
5 Listed Pub Signs in England
Mentions Sign on Forecourt of White Horse Public House
Take a look at these historic calling cards for pubs and inns across England.
The Buildings of Philanthropist John Passmore Edwards
Mentions Whitechapel Art Gallery
Over 70 buildings were constructed in 14 years, including libraries, literary institutes and art galleries.
A Brief History of Community Centres in England
Mentions Toynbee Hall
Community centres emerged in the late 19th century through a variety of social movements.
How Tutankhamun Influenced 20th Century Design and Architecture
Mentions Isle of Dogs Pumping Station,
From the most expensive jewellery and furniture to public buildings, learn now Tutankhamun inspired the world of design and popular culture.
The History of the English Mosque
Mentions Brick Lane Jamme Masjid (Former Neuve Eglise)
Discover the architectural evolution of the mosque in Britain, from the conversion of houses to contemporary expressions of mosque architecture.
Secret Worlds Hidden Beneath Surface Structures
Mentions Northern Ventilation Shaft to the Blackwall Tunnel Southbound
Unusual and often puzzling surface structures can be found in our cities, towns and countryside.
The Colourful World of Architect John Outram
Mentions Isle of Dogs Pumping Station,
The brilliant colours and exuberant gestures of Outram’s work have captured the popular imagination, yet still retain the ability to shock.
A Guide to Norman Architecture in England
Mentions The White Tower
Norman architecture is a style of medieval architecture built in England following the Norman conquest in 1066.
These Places in England are Accidentally Wes Anderson
Mentions Isle of Dogs Pumping Station,
Will one of these places be the setting for the next West Anderson next film?
Picturing High Streets: Over 200 Images Taken by the Public Enter Historic England Archive
Mentions Tower Hamlets
Documenting a year in the life of the English high street, images taken by the public as part of 'Picturing High Streets' can be viewed online.
Heritage at Risk in London Revealed
Mentions The London Hospital, Church of St George in the East, Tower Hamlets
41 sites have been saved and 10 sites added to the Heritage at Risk Register 2023 in London.
A Preview of The Sir John Pennycuick Collection for Researchers
Mentions Tower Hamlets
The Historic England Archive's Sir John Pennycuick Collection provides a photographic record of streets in early and mid-20th century England.
Picturing High Streets: Major National Photography Competition Launched
Mentions Tower Hamlets
Look at the high street as never before and share your photographs to a fortnightly challenge that will uncover the secret lives of our high streets.
Heritage and Craft Workers Across England Given a Helping Hand
Mentions Tower Hamlets
142 historic sites across England are receiving grants worth £35 million through the government’s Culture Recovery Fund.
9 Historic Sites Recognised to Celebrate the Festival of Britain’s 70th Anniversary
Mentions Calvary Charismatic Baptist Church (formerly Trinity Methodist Church),, Susan Lawrence and Elizabeth Lansbury Schools, Church of St Mary and St Joseph
Historic sites relisted or upgraded to reflect their important links with the Festival.
High Streets Heritage Action Zones’ Cultural Programme Awards £6 Million Grants
Mentions Tower Hamlets
Over 60 High Streets Heritage Action Zones will receive grants totalling £6 million going to local arts organisations for community-led activities.
Heritage Across the Country Benefits from Latest Funding from the Culture Recovery Fund
Mentions Tower Hamlets
Over 470 heritage organisations across the country to benefit from the second round of Culture Recovery Fund grants
Heritage at Risk in England Revealed in 2020
Mentions 46 and 48, Copperfield Road E3, Tower Hamlets
Historic England has revealed the historic sites most at risk of being lost forever as a result of neglect, decay or inappropriate development.
Funding Secured for Historic High Streets Recovery
Mentions Tower Hamlets
High Streets across England given the green light for Historic England regeneration schemes to aid their economic recovery.
More Than 2,500 Poignant War Memorials Listed During Four Year Project to Commemorate First World War Centenary
Mentions War memorial to the children of Upper North Street School, Tower Hamlets
Through the First World War Memorials programme, 2,645 First World War memorials have been listed, more than doubling the amount previously listed.
1980s Buildings Officially Become Heritage
Mentions Cascades, Shadwell Basin Housing, 5-54 (cons) Maynards Quay, 1-62 (cons) Newlands Quay and 1-35 (odd) Peartree Lane, Isle of Dogs Pumping Station,
Historic England announces the listing of 17 Post-Modern buildings
Tower Hamlets' social history through photos
Over 10,000 images from the Historic England Archive have been specially selected and re-captioned for teachers, students, and anyone who wants to learn more about their local area.
Workers at West India Docks, North Quay, Poplar, London
Period: 1950s (1950 - 1959)
Dock workers handling cargo beside an Hellenic Line ship moored by the dockside.
Workers at West India Docks, North Quay, Poplar, London
Workers at West India Docks, North Quay, Poplar, London
Period: 1950s (1950 - 1959)
A barge is unloaded of her cargo of sugar with the help of a crane and dock workers by the dockside.
Workers at West India Docks, North Quay, Poplar, London
Whitechapel, Stepney, London
Period: 1950s (1950 - 1959)
On a cold day a woman walks past the Chevrah Shass Synagogue, which is tucked away down an alley.
Whitechapel, Stepney, London
West India Docks, North Quay, Poplar, Greater London
Period: 1950s (1950 - 1959)
A dock worker loading a pallet of sacks of fruit or vegetables on the dockside next to a moored hellenic line ship with a wharf crane in the...
West India Docks, North Quay, Poplar, Greater London
W N Sparks and Sons, Narrow Street, Poplar, Greater London
Period: 1950s (1950 - 1959)
Men at work outside W N Sparks and Sons, boat builders and repairers in limehouse reach.
W N Sparks and Sons, Narrow Street, Poplar, Greater London
Tower of London, Stepney, London
Period: Medieval (Middle Ages) (1066 - 1484)
The White Tower is the keep at the heart of the Tower. It was built around 1078 -1100 for William I and William II. This is the earliest known image.
Tower of London, Stepney, London
Tower of London, Stepney, London
Period: Victorian (1837 - 1901)
General view of the Tower of London with horse drawn vehicles in the foreground.
Tower of London, Stepney, London
Tower Hill, Stepney, Greater London
Period: 1950s (1950 - 1959)
A large crowd gathered on Tower Hill to the west of the Tower of London, listening to a man addressing them from a soapbox, with the many towers and...
Tower Hill, Stepney, Greater London
Discover more
Ready for more local heritage? Take a look at these other places nearby
City and County of the City of London
Ceremonial County
Hackney
Local Authority District
Newham
Local Authority District