Wood’s Buildings, a narrow passageway, extended north from Whitechapel Road and led to Winthrop Street.
Wood’s Buildings has been in existence since the late 18th century, built over former gardens to the south of Ducking Pond Row, later known as Buck’s Row. The passageway consisted of two rows of dwellings on the east and west sides, accessible through a narrow covered passage from Whitechapel Road.
The dwellings in Wood’s Buildings were eventually demolished in the 1880s. The last record of them can be found in the 1881 census. This demolition was likely due to the expansion of the nearby Whitechapel Station, as the Metropolitan District Railway was opened there in October 1884. Wood’s Buildings then became a railway bridge over the new lines, providing access to Winthrop Street.
The remaining alleyway of Wood’s Buildings became a spot frequented by individuals relieving themselves and occasionally served as a meeting place for prostitutes and drug dealers. Nonetheless, it became a popular stop for guided tours due to its atmospheric nature. In 2004, metal gates were installed at both ends of the passageway to block access, a response to the criminal activities previously mentioned.
