Guy Singer
I started this research as my grandfather was born here in 1901. I also found his future wife was born here as were other member of the family. It's a grim place by today's standards, but it was home to the people who lived there. So here is a case study on a building. This research concerns Blackwall Buildings in Thomas Street, Whitechapel and I am trying collect details of all people who lived there. If you can help add any information please contact me using the contact form from the button on the right. Just to clear up the location of the Buildings, they were behind Whitechapel station (now Whitechapel tube station), just off Whitechapel Road. Again to save confusion note that Thomas Street became Fulbourne Street and now is Lomas Street.
Have a look through the history page and see if you can add anything here. Then on the date pages I have listed a few of the people I know in the censuses and any other residents who I have been notified of. I will add to this list as I get notified of any other residents. What this is NOT is a complete listing. I do not intend to transcribe the censuses. There are many other sites you can visit to get these.
What I'm looking for is:
Names and dates people who were there who are known to people.
History of the buildings themselves.
Any photos I can post of the outside or prefereably the insides of the flats.
STORIES OF LIFE IN THE BUILDINGS - ideally in the early days, but from any period is interesting. Was there much of a community spirit? Any "Buildings" events? This is now the main thrust of the reseach.
Thanks - GUY SINGER
DATES OF NOTES AND UPDATES
CASE STUDY STARTED. 20/03/2008
Mary Hughes story added 21/03/2008
Maps and some pictures added 27/03/2008
More maps and location plan added. Story from Joy Day added. 03/04/2008
Charles Booth Survey and Railway connection of flats added 14/04/08
Three pictures added to study and information on later owners 02/05/08
Pictures added plus layout information. Shirley Shepherd and Michael Tyrrell's contributions 22/05/08
Pictures added, Derek Gray story and Post Office Directory added 31/05/08
For protection of identities all reference to living people have been removed from this site.
