If you have a quirky interest in the urban environment then Tower Hamlets really gets a high score.  It’s amazing what you can find out about the area’s history, its previous inhabitants and the style of the buildings simply from wandering around and being observant.

For example, do you know what the comedian Bud Flanagan, the Indian statesman Mahatma Gandi, explorer Captain Cook and social reformer Dr Barnardo have in common?  They all have associations with Tower Hamlets – have a look for the blue plaques on the outside of buildings and you will be amazed at the people, like these, who are linked with the borough.

There are also glimpses to be had of local events which have had much wider implications.  In 1888 the women working at the Bryant and May matchmaking factory in Fairfield Road, Bow went on strike, protesting about the dangers of their work.  This was revolutionary behaviour at the time but is now regarded as having had a huge influence on subsequent trade unionism and health and safety legislation.

Although the Bryant and May factory no longer operates as a manufacturing site it still stands as a proud relic of its famous past having recently been converted into flats.