Discover how trade
and immigration
shaped the architecture
of London’s East End
Join Open City for a walking tour exploring the fascinating architectural history of London’s East End from Whitechapel to Wapping
This tour — led by Barratt London head of planning and Golden Key Academy graduate Martin Scholar — from Whitechapel to Wapping follows on from Martin’s Open City Spitalfields to Stepney Green walking tour and further explores through enigmatic streets and buildings, the story of trade and immigration that has shaped this constantly changing part of the East End.
Knitting together the story of the communities that have shaped the area including the original residents and dock workers; Jewish, German, Indian and Irish populations plus recent arrivals – the tour includes pioneering philanthropic and social housing; entertainment facilities; discrimination and division; religion; food and drink; welfare; trade and employment.
Starting in Whitechapel, the tour winds its way through Aldgate and Shadwell before ending by the Thames at Wapping with fantastic river side views. Highlights include Toynbee Hall; Whitechapel Art Gallery and Library; the Proof House; the Leman Street Dispensary; Wilton’s Music Hall; the Cable Street Mural.
Other highlights include London’s oldest Indian restaurant; Hawksmoor’s St George in the East church; Tobacco Dock; and the old docks, warehouses and streets of atmospheric Wapping.
Key information
Meet: Outside the Toynbee Hall, 28 Commercial Street E1 6LS
End: At the River Thames in Wapping (close to Wapping Station)
Duration: 2 hours approx
Distance: 2 miles
Cost: £19.50 / £14.50 / £13.50 / £9.50
Tickets are non refundable, and tours go ahead rain or shine! Get in touch with Adrianna at tours@open-city.org.uk with any queries.
MEET THE TOUR GUIDE
Martin Scholar is a town planner and is currently head of planning at Barratt London. He has previously worked for Westminster City Council and the GLA.
Scholar is a graduate of the 2021 Golden Key Academy — a masterclass for urban and architectural tour guiding run by Open City. He joined the Open City tours team in November 2021.
Open City's year-round tours programme is supported by Bloomberg Connects, the free arts and culture app.