Key elements of Tower Hamlets history have been granted Grade II listed status following advice from English Heritage.
The former Poplar Town Hall (now Bow House), which was commissioned by councillors who were imprisoned in 1921 for spending rates on a welfare programme in the borough, rather than contributing to the central London money pot, the Police Station and Stables at 111 Bow Road and the former New People’s Palace opened by George VI and Queen Elizabeth as part of their first public drive through London as King and Queen, have all been listed.
Other listed buildings include:
Tredegar House, 97 and 99 Bow Road
Albert Stern House (formerly Beth Holim, 253 Mile End Road
27a Mile End Road (former Engineer’s Residence to Albion Brewery)
Tomb of Joseph Dixon, St Mary’s Church, Bow Road, Bromley by Bow
Gents WCs outside St Mary’s Church, Bow Road, Bromley by Bow
Six Cast-Iron Bollards, Kit Kat Terrace
Hannah Parham, a Heritage Protection Advisor in English Heritage’s London team said of the listings: “These buildings in London’s East End are redolent of a rich social history but are often little known, or even overlooked, by Londoners and tourists. Yet, as well as representing the fascinating changes in the area prior to the Second World War, they capture the wider progress of twentieth century Britain.”
“We are delighted that the special architectural and historic interest of the area has been formally recognised in time for visitors to the 2012 Olympics to explore East London’s unique heritage.”
Parham said English Heritage hoped “the new investment promised by the Games will also be targeted towards those buildings that make the East End so distinctive and special.”
Tower Hamlets Council Leader, Cllr Lutfur Rahman said: “It is excellent news that so many local sites have been recognised in this way by English Heritage. If these buildings could talk, they would tell a fascinating story of people from all walks of life, and backgrounds, living and working together throughout the borough’s rich and diverse history. We have plenty of attractions to show people visiting this part of East London in the run up to the Olympics – and this will add to the treasure trove already awaiting visitors.”
