Another Georgian Spitalfields: 18th-century houses in Bethnal green's Silk-weaving district
Author(s): Peter Guillery
This survey report has a dual purpose. it aims to inform regeneration and it is part of a wider survey project investigating London's smaller 18th-century houses. This report is thus both an attempt to characterise a fundamental aspect of the distinctive historic environment of Bethnal Green's former weaving district, to inform the process of regenerative investment, and a partial exploration of the nature of lower-status housing in and around London in the 18th century. in terms of method it is necessary to address the history of the place as a whole in attempting to understand any one or more of its buildings. The silk industry, land tenure and occupancy are all crucial to interpretation of the buildings. So this is less an archaeological survey than it is a topographical history. Measured survey and fabric analysis have played an important part. However, relatively little 'original' fabric survives, though its full extent remains unknown as internal access to many properties has not been possible. Documentary research has been central to the elucidation of particular buildings as well as the broader context. This research has included use of land tax assessments. This is a source that in many places is found wanting by comparison with ratebooks, but here it is clear that in conjunction with other standard sources the land tax assessments do allow particular houses to be accurately traced. They record all the buildings along each street, the valuations are broadly indicative of house size, and the names are those of head tenants, occasionally supplemented with those of 'proprietors' (landowners).
- Report Number:
- 120/2000
- Series:
- Other
- Pages:
- 108
- Keywords:
- Modern Architectural Investigation
