Home » Local History » Local History What's On
Local History What's On
Local History Library & Archives
Bancroft Library
277 Bancroft Road, London E1 4DQ
Shared Roots in Faith: the Abrahamic East End
Tuesday 14 - Thursday 23 February
Working with local Jewish, Christian and Muslim organisations and places of worship; interfaith group Interact present a new exhibition. This exhibition is based on interviews carried out by a diverse group of young people with individuals who have grown up in London's multifaith East End. With accompanying workshops.
Bengali Heritage Month
A festival celebrating the history and culture of Bangladeshi people in the East End, at Tower Hamlets Local History Library and Archives and venues across the borough. Visit your local Idea Store or library to enjoy a range of cultural activities for all ages including talks, poetry, drama, cookery, film screenings, live music, arts and crafts and a brand new exhibition on the history of the Bengali East End. All events are free and everyone is welcome to attend.
Saturday 3 - Saturday 31 March
Caribbean Ancestral Research Group
Join genealogy expert Sharon Tomlin for our new regular Caribbean family history study session. Limited space - contact Sharon Tomlin on 07508 375 417 or email sharon@tomlinso.com to book your place.
Saturday 4 March, 12noon - 4pm
Bengali Heritage Month Exhibition: The Bengali East End
Ever wondered how the Bangladeshi community's settlement took shape in Tower Hamlets? A brand new exhibition telling the story of Bengali people in the East End has been curated by Tower Hamlets Local History Library and Archives, in partnership with the Swadhinata Trust, a locally based organisation promoting Bengali cultural heritage. Using newly acquired photographs, oral histories and archival materials from the council's collections; The Bengali East End traces the history of Bangladeshi people in Tower Hamlets, exploring the experiences of Bengali East Enders and their contributions to contemporary British culture.
On Thursday 15 March from 6pm join Shahera Begum, curator, for the exhibition launch, which will also feature a screening of the rarely seen short film 'Nora - Emerald of Bengal', directed by Charlie Sen which is set during the Bangladesh Independence Day anniversary commemoration in Altab Ali Park. Plus, your chance to try traditional Bengali crafts with Heba women's group.
Thursday 15 March - Thursday 5 May
City Reads Talk: Law and Order in Oliver Twist's London
We welcome historian Jerry White for a talk marking the bi-centenary of the birth of Charles Dickens. When 'Oliver Twist' began serial publication in 1837 the Metropolitan Police force was just eight years old, and it had a chequered beginning. In many parts of plebeian London the 'New Police' was generally not welcomed and sometimes violently opposed. In places it was accused of undermining local government and imposing an expensive and alien force on reluctant rate payers. And it was viewed as doing the governments bidding, especially where workers combined against employers to raise wages or agitated for a reformed parliament and a wider franchise. What was the image and reality of the forces of law and order in the London of 'Oliver Twist'? How did Charles Dickens represent the justice system of which the New Police were an emerging part? This talk is presented in partnership with Birkbeck College, University of London.
Tuesday 17 April, 6 - 7pm
Guided Walk: Charles Dickens' Limehouse
Join Borough Archivist Malcolm Barr-Hamilton for a walking tour around Limehouse, focusing on the sites with Dickens connections with this fascinating riverside area. Meet 2pm at Westferry DLR. Booking essential, email localhistory@towerhamlets.gov.uk or call 020 7364 1290 to book your place.
Friday 20 April, 2pm
Local History Library - Open Tuesday - Thursday and Saturdays (fortnightly). wheelchair accessible.
For further information please email localhistory@towerhamlets.gov.uk or call 020 7364 1290.
