The post-war period

The terrible bombing of the Second World War had the effect of rendering many areas uninhabitable that otherwise might not have been dealt with for decades. The Comprehensive Development Areas in Stepney, Poplar and Bethnal Green brought many new homes into existence, mostly flats. Some such as the Cranbrook Estate in Bethnal Green and Lansbury Estate in Poplar have been widely acclaimed.

The Cranbrook Estate, Bethnal Green, c 1969. Copyright Tower Hamlets Local History Library and Archives

In the 1960s, high-rise flats became a conspicuous feature of the skyline of East London. Certain of these such as the Balfron Tower in Poplar and Keeling House in Bethnal Green are now listed buildings while others have already been demolished as social failures. Recent attempts to have Robin Hood Gardens in Poplar statutorily listed having failed, it seems likely that this architecturally-admired estate will join them.

Balfron Tower, c 1969 (from East London Papers vol 12)

For more historic images of social housing in Tower Hamlets visit the Digital Gallery at the Idea Store website: http://www.ideastore.co.uk/en/articles/information_digital_gallery