Bow: The thriving heart of the East End

Situated in the London borough of Tower Hamlets on the eastern fringe of the capital, Bow is a thriving part of the East End and a highly popular residential area.

It has become part of the E3 postcode district alongside Mile End, Old Ford and Bromley-by-Bow and is close to the new Olympic Park complex, easily accessible by public transport or on foot.

property to rent in Bow is always in high demand and ranges from flats and apartments to terraced houses and maisonettes.

History of the area

In the 12th century the settlement of Bow was actually known as Stratford, before later becoming known as Stratford-atte-Bow thanks to the bow-shaped bridge that was built over the River Lee.

Over time the name was shortened simply to Bow in order to distinguish it from Stratford Langthorne, which lies on the bank of the River Lee in Essex.

The area remained relatively isolated in the 14th century, although later a number of industries were established, including Bow Porcelain in the 17th century and later Bryant and May matches.

Bow also has strong links to the Suffragette movement as the place where Sylvia Pankhurst set up the East London Federation of Suffragettes.

Life in Bow

Bow is a vibrant part of London where old East End charm meets modern day living, and there is plenty going on for residents and visitors to the area alike.

Roman Road Market is located at the thriving heart of the area, offering everything from crafts and antiques to food, clothing and books. Many street performers can also be found here entertaining the crowds.

There are some excellent sporting and leisure facilities in and around Bow, as well as numerous bars and restaurants where residents can relax in the evenings.

The area also boasts some fabulous open spaces, including Bow Cemetery, which resembles natural woodland and is home to a number of bird species, Mile End Park, which is home to a children's play area, an ecology park and the Mile End Stadium, and the huge Victoria Park, which hosts several concerts and festivals throughout the year.

Important landmarks

St Mary's Church is one of the most recognisable landmarks in Bow, standing on the traffic island on Bow Road in the heart of the area. Part of the building dates back to the 13th century and it is often mistaken as the Bow Bells, which actually reside at St Mary-le-Bow Church on Cheapside. Tradition states that to be a true Cockney, one must be born within earshot of these bells.

Another of Bow's landmarks is a memorial dedicated to George Lansbury, a Labour MP from Bromley and Bow and a campaigner for social justice and improved living conditions for working class people. It sits at the corner of Bow Road and Harley Grove.

Transport options

Bow is well served by public transport, with the London Underground stations Mile End on the Central, District and Hammersmith and City Lines and Bow Road on the District and Hammersmith and City Lines within easy walking distance for many residents.

There is also a Docklands Light Railway station at Bow Church, taking passengers through to Bank in the City of London and Canary Wharf at Docklands.

Buses are also a most common form of transportation for those who live and work in Bow and for motorists there is a major traffic interchange where the old bow-shaped bridge used to stand, providing access to Stratford and the Blackwall Tunnel.
 

Published 12th September, 2012

© 2012 Estates IT Limited