Despite its proximity to the main road, the entrance to Mile End Place is often overlooked due to its unassuming appearance. It looks like a goods entrance to the back of the shops.
Venturing further into Mile End Place reveals a row of charming 19th-century cottages adorned with gardens that spill over onto the pavements. Originally constructed as workers’ homes for the nearby Charrington’s brewery, some of these cottages are still occupied by former Charrington’s pensioners. The rented cottages provide the residents with the unique experience of being in close proximity to the main road while remaining completely hidden away from its hustle and bustle.
Surrounding this quaint street lie three distinct Jewish cemeteries. These cemeteries, shielded by high walls, create an air of secrecy, often unbeknownst to those who live in the area. They serve as a reminder of a time when the East End had a significant Jewish population. The oldest of these cemeteries is also the oldest Jewish cemetery in Britain, established in 1657 after Oliver Cromwell permitted Jews to return to England, 267 years after their expulsion by Edward I.
