Borough

Tower Hamlets

About:

The London Borough of Tower Hamlets is an East London borough located to the east of the City of London and north of the River Thames.

Tower Hamlets has been inhabited for 2000 years, with a detailed history going back to the Roman invasion of 43AD. The world famous Tower of London stands on the River Thames on the western boundary of the borough. It dates from the reign of William the Conqueror in the 11th century and in the past 900 years it has been used as a fortress, royal palace, zoo and state prison.

Much of the borough was marshland at this time. As London expanded and the pressure for development intensified, the land was gradually drained and reclaimed. A cluster of small communities was established, known locally as the hamlets around the tower - which is the origin of the borough's name.

The instantly recognisable 'U' bend in the River Thames describes the southern boundary of a diverse and vibrant community. This is an area of spectacular regeneration with the pyramid topped Canary Wharf Tower marking out the internationally renowned Docklands.

Routes that go through Tower Hamlets:

Capital Ring:

Section 14 (Hackney Wick to Beckton District Park)

Jubilee Walkway:

Section 2 (The Eastern Loop walk)

Thames Path National Trail:

Section 2 (Albert Bridge to Tower Bridge)

Jubilee Greenway:

Section 3 (Camden to Victoria Park)

Section 4 (Victoria Park to Stokes Road (along Elevated Greenway)

Section 10 (Victoria Park to Limehouse Basin - via Mile End Park)

Jubilee Walkway:

Jubilee Walkway

Lea Valley Walk:

Lea Valley Walk

Interesting places on or near the route:

Canary Wharf
Trinity Buoy Wharf and Lighthouse
Wapping and Shadwell

Population:

196,106 which is 2.7% of the total London population (2001 Census)

Area:

22 square kilometres

Tube:

The borough is served by the Hammersmith & City, District, Circle, Central, Jubilee and East London Lines. Visit http://www.tfl.gov.uk/tube/ for more information. The DLR runs through the borough. Visit http://www.tfl.gov.uk/dlr/ for more information.

Rail:

Rail services in the borough are run by 'one', c2c and Silverlink. Visit http://www.tfl.gov.uk/rail/ for more information.

Bus:

Tower Hamlets is served by a comprehensive network of bus routes. Visit http://www.tfl.gov.uk/buses/ for more information.

Green space:

The London Borough of Tower Hamlets, in spite of being close to the centre of London and perhaps retaining the idea of it being the docklands area, has over 100 areas of parks and open spaces within its boundaries. These range from the huge (Victoria Park which is 215 acres) to small gardens and squares. Mudchute Park includes the largest urban park in Europe. Tower Hamlets is a riverside borough, and one of the largest open spaces is the Thames itself.

Local Authority:

Tower Hamlets London Borough Council

Other Information:

Visit London Walks for audio guides of walks in Tower Hamlets. The Greenwich Walk and the Tower of London to St Paul’s Walk all pass through the borough.