Local news and culture magazine
Your guide to the people, passions, culture and heritage that have formed Roman Road’s identity. Discover the communities and cultures of our neighbourhood, its creative industries, social history and personal stories; the heritage that has created our identity, including Bow grime music, the East London Suffragettes, East End and Cockney, and British Bangladeshi; and what we are passionate about, from philanthropic initiatives to campaigns to save our heritage and the environment.
The lush greenery around Mile End park’s Ecology Pavilion, which we wander around today, was once a thriving neighbourhood made up of Lessada Street, Totty Street and Palm Street. Haven’t heard of these names? It’s because they no longer exist.
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Seeing a houseboat from the inside, being able to jump on board to feel the gentle, floating sway, and to be able to move your house whenever you want (quite literally) are things that many of us dream of.
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Have you ever heard the phrase ‘Aboslutely Müllered’? Guest writer Rich Ware uncovers the story of the first murder on a British train that was so explosive it knocked the American Civil War out of the headlines.
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The circular patch of Three Mills Green by the historic Clock Mill is the site of a public art installation that is historic in its own right. It is one of the first few sculptures of a black woman in the UK and the first such statue by a black artist.
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Local residents are campaigning to stop an 18 metre 5G tower being built adjacent to Selwyn Green over concerns that
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Rich Mix unveiled an art mural by well-known East End based artist Camille Walala. Spanning across the entire 600 square
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‘I had a test and was very cruelly told, “yes you do have it”. I was not given a cup of tea or biscuit or offered any sort of comfort like that. The doctor passed me some pills and said that I’ll be on them for the rest of my life. And that was that.’
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The Battle of Cable Street is remembered still to this day as a striking mobilisation against the rise of fascism in the years leading up to World War II; a turbulent day in which barricades were raised, bottles and bricks were thrown, and the fascists were defeated.
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‘I wanted to meet people and hear about their experiences. Everyone’s got a story to tell, especially during this strange period, so I wanted to capture those stories visually.’
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The exact origin of ‘Knees up Mother Brown’ is unknown, but by the 1800s it had become a popular song in East End pubs and bars.
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Operating from 1860 to the early 1970s, Malin’s fish and chip shop on Old Ford Road in Bow was the first fried fish and chippie in the UK. We took a look at the dish’s fascinating story.
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The Pearly Kings and Queens are a famous symbol of cockney culture and the second oldest charity in London, but what’s the real story behind the Pearl monarchy? How are they still spreading the original Pearly message? And how much do the suits really weigh?
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