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I. STATISTICS AND SOCIAL CONDITIONS OF THE AREA
The Borough of Tower Hamlets is bounded on the west side by the City of London, on
the east by the Borough of Newham, on the north by the Borough of Hackney and on the south
by the River Thames. The river boundary ,is some seven miles in length along which exist
numerous wharves engaged in trans-shipping activities. The area of the borough is 4,994
acres, being approximately four miles long, and four miles wide at the most distant
points. Some 266 acres cover canals and enclosed docks including St. Katharine and London
Docks, East and West India Docks, and the Millwall Docks.
The predominant geological stratum is dark blue London clay found at a depth of
between 20-30 feet from the surface; above this level are layers and patches of gravel and
sand, with brown and yellow clays found nearer the surface. In some parts of the borough
there are layers of "made" ground, the result of earlier habitation, and as is to be
expected the flow of subsoil water is towards the river.
The area is to a large extent industrial in character, factory premises being spread
throughout the borough with light industry tending to concentrate in the western end, and
heavy industry in the east.
One of the chief industries of the borough is the manufacture of clothing of all
kinds and it is estimated that one-third of the tailoring industry of London is carried
on in this area. Other major industries include brewing, engineering, the manufacture
of furniture and ship repairing. Tower Hamlets is also one of the most important wholesaling
districts in London. Spitalfields wholesale fruit and vegetable market and the
London Fruit Exchange are situated in the borough, and there are many wholesale food
depots from which goods are distributed through the country.
Notable landmarks in the borough include the Tower of London and the Royal Mint.
THE BOROUGH'S COAT OF ARMS
The official "Blazon" or description of the Council's Armorial Bearings (reproduced
on the cover of this Report) as given in the Letters Patent is as follows:
The Arms
"Argent out of a Base wavy Azure thereon two Bars wavy Argent a
Lymphad sail furled Sable pennon and flags flying Gules on a Chief
Azure between a pair of Fire Tongs and a Weaver's Shuttle a Pale
Argent charged with a sprig of Mulberry fructed proper."
Crest on a Wreath of the Colours
"In front of a representation of the White Tower of the Tower of
London proper two Anchors in saltire Or."
9.