Dartford Talk: Boxers, Bandits and a Blind Beggar, (A History of Bethnal Green) with Ian Bevan

 Bethnal Green was a medieval hamlet to the east of the City of London long before the term "East End" was invented.

It became popular with rich merchants in the 16th century but immigration began in the 18th century and Bethnal Green soon developed into one of the first manufacturing districts in the area.

By the end of the 19th century foreign immigration had turned Bethnal Green into the over-populated scene of poverty which we find in the census returns. Slum clearance and post war redevelopment swept away most of these communities.

Ian Bevan is an experienced speaker who has been a regular visitor to our Society over the years.

Many of us have ancestors who lived in or passed through the East End of London and his illustrated talk will explain the history of the area and the clues which are left to show how our families lived and worked there.

Doors open 9.45am. The meeting / talk will start at 10.30am and end by 12.30pm. 

The Talk venue has a large, free car park but it is shared with other users and can be busy at times.

No booking, just turn up.

The Society is a registered charity and membership fees and donations are an important part of our income. The Talk is free to members but guests and visitors are asked to make a donation towards hall hire and speaker's fee. There will be a donations box at the venue.