Photo by Jane Chapman
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Incredible photos of Roman Road from Bow to Globe Town [photoessay]

Roman Road stretches through Bow and Globe Town. This is our pick of photos from our strip which remind us why we love this area so much.

In honour of our fine home, we have assembled a selection of the best pictures of Roman Road each a reflection of a moment in time for our high street, from the 1960s through the first lockdown to now.

Busy Roman Road Market seen from above
Photo: Jane Chapman @janechapman_

This shot of the market, taken in the low light of a February morning last year gives an indication of the hive of activity that this strip usually plays host to, including the ever-popular Sweet Treats.

East London's bustling Roman Road Market in 1968
Photo: Tower Hamlets Local History Library & Archives

Taken in nearly exactly the same spot as the previous photo, this is the market in 1968. Not much has changed, except maybe some hairstyles, floral shirts and pro-smoking advertisements.

Roman Road Market arch at the eastern entrance with lone man, by Ammr Khalifa
Photo: Ammr Khalifa @iam_mrkhalifa

Here we see the instantly recognisable archway which marks the entrance to the Roman Road Market from the eastern end. Taken during last year’s lockdown, this is a poignant shot and shows a community in waiting.

Empty Roman Road during lockdown 2020
Photo: Tabitha Stapely

Also during lockdown in 2020, this is the non-market stretch of Roman Road in Bow stretching on towards Mile End park towards Globe Town and Bethnal Green without a car or number eight bus in sight. You can just spoke the Cranbrook Estate on the horizon.

Aerial shot of Roman Road Market by Phil Verney
Photo: Phil Verney @philverney

This impressive shot, taken from above, illustrates the whole stretch of the market lined by Victorian buildings on either side. Did you know Roman remains were found in an 1845 dig on the current site of Armagh Road? There have been further finds since that justifies the name.

Shuttered shops on Roman Road during lockdown 2020
Photo: Tabitha Stapely

Taken early in the morning these shops are still shuttered in sleep, waiting for the day to start. Roman Road is known for its high proportion of independent shops. They are the backbone of our tight knit neighbourhood, each playing their part to make the road a thriving community.

Sunset on Roman Road in Globe Town, 2018
Photo: Tabitha Stapely

This is the Globe Town end of Roman Road taken looking east at the sun rising. The area, which has garnered the tag of ‘well-being mecca of East London’, is home to organisations such as London Buddhist Centre, Globe Osteopathy and the Turkish Baths at York Hall.

The Lanfranc estate on Roman Road, 2014, by Richard Pike
Photo: Richard Pike

Lanfranc Estate with its signature blue squares is one of Bow’s iconic estates. This shot was taken in 2014 but the estate was built in 1969 and named after a naval destroyer.

Roman Road lights, Christmas 2020, by Phil Verney
Photo: Phil Verney @philverney

This shot, taken in December 2020, sees the Roman cast in a different light – Christmas ones, to be precise! The festive decorations illustrate a community bound by hope.

Roman Road in Globe Town with the old Black Horse pub in 2018, by Tabitha Stapely
Photo: Tabitha Stapely

Dressed smartly in black, these shopfronts include our beloved Paradise Cycles. Have you ever noticed The Black Horse sign? This former public house operated from 1869 until its closure in 1995.

If you enjoyed this article, you may enjoy Rose Palmer’s photo essay on canal life through lockdown


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