Spitalfields

Spitalfields, neighborhood in the London borough of Tower Hamlets. It is situated just east of the Bishopsgate section of the former London Wall. In the Middle Ages it belonged to the priory and hospital, or “spital,” of St. Mary, which was founded in 1197 by Walter and Rose Brown.

Like other sections of London’s East End, Spitalfields has long been associated with immigrant groups and tenement housing. After 1685 large numbers of French Huguenot refugees settled there. They were followed in turn by Jews, Irish from the 19th century, and South Asians (mainly Bangladeshis) from the 1960s. Silk weaving, established by the first Huguenot immigrants, had declined in importance by the early 19th century, but clothing manufacturing still provides employment.

In 1682 Spitalfields Market was established on Commercial Street under the ownership of John Balch. The market was known for its trade in silks and in fresh fruits and vegetables. In the 1920s the City of London bought the market complex. Although the site underwent several expansions and renovations, the market was relocated to Temple Mills (in Waltham Forest borough) in 1991, and the old market buildings were scheduled for redevelopment.

Christ Church, Spitalfields, was designed by Nicholas Hawksmoor in 1714. The structure was altered in the mid-19th century and had been partially restored by the late 20th century. To the southwest, along Middlesex Street, is the famous Petticoat Lane Market, which is held every Sunday. Liverpool Street Station lies a short distance to the west.