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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
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 4,876 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's and London Docks, East and West India
Docks, and the Millwall Docks. The St. Katharine's Dock comprising 10 acres of water, has ceased
being used as for dock purposes and has been purchased by the Greater London Council, together
with adjacent land, for redevelopment inconjunction with this Council. 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 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
throughout the country.
Notable landmarks in the borough include the Tower of London and the Royal Mint.
POPULATION
The Registrar-General's estimated mid-year populatidnof the borough was 192,250, adecrease
of 5,980 from last year's figure. This is a continuation of the downward trend which has
occurred since 1947. The 1966 1055 sample census showed the population to be 196,830, although
the Registrar-General commented that in Greater London the population was understated by from
2½ to 3 per cent.
Live births exceeded deaths by 493 so that as the estimated population decrease was 5,980,
the net estimated movement of residents out of the borough amounted to 6,473 persons.
The density of population is 39.43 persons per acre.
The estimated child population is as follows:-
Under 5 years 5-14 years Total under 15 years
15,800 27,400 43,200
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