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1. 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
liver 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. Mileage of roads covered is 178.5.
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 Famleta 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 throughout the country.
Notable landmarks in the borough include the Tower of Lonaon and the lioyal Mint.
POPULATION
The Registrar-General's estimated mid-year population of the borough was 198,230, a
decrease of 4,330 from last year's figures. This is a continuation of the downward trend which
has occurred since 1947. The 1966 10% sample census showed the population to be 196,830,
although the Report states that in Greater London the population is understated by from 9½ to 3
per cent.
Births exceeded deaths by 1,132 so that as the estimated population decrease was 4,330,
tne net estimated movement of residents out of the borough amounted to 5,462 persons.
The density of population is 40.67 persons per acre.
The estimated child population is as follows:-
Under 1 year 1-4 years 5-14 years Total uader 15 years
3,430 13,170 28,100 44,700
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