Altab Ali Park

Altab Ali Park is an urban green space in Whitechapel that contains trees, plants, walking paths, and benches throughout its small area in East London. The site is defined by a memorial arch decorated with Bengali patterns that gives the space its distinctive character.

The site was originally called St. Mary's Park and once held a 14th-century church that suffered damage during the 1940 air raids and was eventually demolished. The memorial features were added and the space was renamed in 1998 to honor Altab Ali.

The space honors Altab Ali, a young man from Bangladesh, whose death in 1978 became a turning point for the local community in East London. The memorial arch with Bengali patterns and the Shaheed Minar monument reflect how this place holds meaning for residents with Bengali roots.

The park can be reached from Aldgate East Underground station and several bus routes, making it easy to access from central London. The space is open and straightforward to walk through, with benches placed regularly for rest.

Along the central pathway, a quotation from Bengali poet Rabindranath Tagore is inscribed on the ground, offering wishes of shade and shelter to those passing through. This thoughtful message reflects the site's connection to Bengali literary tradition.

Location: London Borough of Tower Hamlets

GPS coordinates: 51.51620,-0.06850

Latest update: December 7, 2025 20:24