Tower Hamlets

The Tower and all the land outside to the east as far as the River Lea were outside the City of London's jurisdiction. Stepney was the main village and because all this area was governed by the Constable of the Tower it became known as Tower Hamlets from about 1200.

The Constable exercised rights over 11 hamlets to the east and could recruit men at arms and labour from these hamlets.

Between 1658 and 1676-7 the land between Goodman's Fields and the Tower was built on.

Before 1918 Bow and Bromley, Limehouse, Mile End, Poplar, St George in the East, Stepney and Whitechapel returned seven Members of Parliament.