THE UNKNOWN EAST END
Pat Collins - Toronto
April 2013
While the history lesson was informative, I would have preferred less standing around being talked at and more walking and seeing. Much of the area was bombed, yes, but not at all of it. Although many of the old interesting streets remain, we saw a total of two of them, and one of them only from a distsnce. I know about a lot of things that happened in this area, but very little about the everyday lives and living conditions of people who lived there.
Wendy - Kent
April 2012
This isn't a scenic route surrounded by beautiful architecture, although the walk does finish by Spitalfields Market, where things are more picturesque and trendy.But do go and hear the fascinating history of the East End and its people from Harry, who delivers the tour with clarity, detail and, most important of all,insight and empathy for the various people and events that have shaped this area.I had only a sketchy, stereotypical idea of this area before and found it informative and enlightening, as have been all the London Walks I've tried so far. Trying to work my way through them all...
Maggie
January 2008
Highly recommended walk! Harry is a very interesting and knowledgeable person. He talked about East End, its history and people in a both fascinating and slightly melancholic way. He really made me feel how this world, that is now gone, once was! I was especially moved by his description of the Rotschild funeral! One of the best walks I've been to.
Stella - Kenley, Surrey
December 2007
Harry's tour was one which has grown on me with recollection - something to be recalled and savoured.
It was unexpectedly cold last Sunday and I was not quite warmly enough dressed so, at the time, it felt chilly in the wind as we listened to descriptions and history. I also thought there was a little too much concentration on the gruesome side of things. However, this was outweighed by such things as Harry's most memorable, affectionate and charming description of his Yiddish grandmother which, as a personal recollection, gave huge impact to the outline of lives at the time. Harry has an ironic, slightly melancholy, largely humorous and very vivid way of conveying information that really sticks and is enjoyable to recall.
He took an interest in the individuals in the group and was sensitive to people in relation to what part of the world people came from.
He is an interesting person.
Olivia - London
September 2007
This walk was led by Harry who had a relaxed and knowledgeable way of imparting masses of historical information in just 2 hours!My grandparents came from the East End and I really felt a sense of how harsh life was in the old days and how vibrant the area is now-definitely visit Columbia Road market in the morning before the walk.
Denise Dunk - Brentwood, Essex
June 2007
For years I've wanted to delve past the hype of the Krays and Jack the Ripper to discover more of the Whitechapel area, just a stones throw from the excess and pomp of the city, but no one was overly keen of trailing round with me. So Harry's tour was perfect for bringing many East End secrets to life, full of surprises at unassuming spots rich with history.
Soon after the walk I came across the book; Salaam Brick Lane by Tarquin Hall that expanded further on the lives of the dwindling Jewish residents and Bangladeshi community that Harry had introduced us too.
The Kings Head in nearby Kingsland Road Shoreditch is a traditional Irish pub, the perfect hidden pit stop to discuss your tour.
I was lucky enough to be invited to an engagement party here a few years ago and there was a fantastic atmosphere.
Likewise, the Bethnal Green Working Man's Club, also nearby, holds a fantastic burlesque show (and lessons for the brave!) once a month and it's still complete with original 70's decor.
Harry's tour inspired me to discover more places like these in this fascinating area of London discarded by many for so long, but full of spirit where many of us share ancestors.
Can't recommend this tour enough and dont forget to make a day of it with a trip to Columbia Road flower market in the morning!
Rosemary Hafeez - London
April 2007
This walk with Harry told me more information about the part of London that I grew up in and also many things that I didn't know. We finished near Brick Lane and were able to pick up some bagels and Indian sweets as reminders of the 'Unknown East End'. Great afternoon walk.