The first Irish immigrants to arrive in London in significant numbers tended to be dock workers so they settled in the area between Commercial Road and the Thames. So, our walk will be through this area. We will see what was the largest Irish Catholic church in London in the 19th century, and the attractive (rather sought after' these days but very different back in the day) Wapping area, complete with warehouses, wharves and dock walls.
We'll also see a wonderful mural of a slightly more recent bit of historical event when Irish, Jewish and all other immigrants came together in a great show of East End solidarity. We then head down Royal Mint Street, which was once 70% Irish as it leads to St Katherines Dock. And throughout the talk you'll be shown some great Victorian photographs.
This walk is part of our day The Irish in London.
Contact events@sog.org.uk if you have any questions.
About the Speaker
Ian Porter
Ian Porter is a historian, novelist, walks guide and public speaker. He is particularly interested in women's 19th and early 20th century social and political history. He guides over 50 different walks in London, all but one (street art) history related. He is particularly well versed in the Suffragettes, Women in the Great War, the Spanish Flu and 19th century East End crime. He is presently writing his fifth novel, which is set during the 1908 London Olympics. Previous novels have been set at the time of Jack the Ripper, on the Titanic, in the Suffragette struggle, and during the Spanish Flu.
