London Photo Gallery - Bethnal Green

London's East End was once a textiles hub, which started when French Protestant weavers settled in the area after fleeing persecution. Bethnal Green developed rapidly from the 19th century onwards, but as the textile industry collapsed, many residents had to resort to living and working in overcrowded conditions and the neighbourhood became a disease and crime-ridden slum.

The government was aware of the problem and the city had started providing working class housing by the turn of the 20th century. However, the area was badly bombed during World War II, spurning redevelopment in the following decades.

Bethnal Green Road is a busy market street and showcases London's multicultural population. Continuing west towards Shoreditch, there were plenty of saris, fresh fruits and vegetables, and other knick-knacks on offer.