Poplar

Poplar is a residential district in the East End of London with a mix of traditional terraced homes, post-war housing blocks, and new apartment buildings. The area extends around the canals and waterways that once served the industrial docks.

The area developed from a rural hamlet into a dockland neighborhood in the early 19th century after trading companies built warehouses and quays. The heavy bombing during World War II destroyed much of it, and reconstruction brought large social housing estates in the 1950s.

The streetscape shows the connection between the industrial past and the new neighborhoods that grew around the former dock areas. Residents use the green spaces along the canals and the community centers converted from the old warehouse buildings.

Connections to the City and Canary Wharf run through several Docklands Light Railway stations and bus lines. Visitors find supermarkets, cafes, and small shops around the main roads and pedestrian areas.

The street market from 1951 was one of the first in Europe designed on a modern urban plan, with covered shop fronts and a central clock tower. The market stalls still sell fresh food, clothing, and household goods today, just as they did in the early decades.

Location: London Borough of Tower Hamlets

Shares border with: Brick Lane

GPS coordinates: 51.50660,-0.01780

Latest update: December 12, 2025 22:15