The walk was fully illustrated with Historical and Modern pictures. Diane began the talk with a map of the streets we would ‘walk’ down.
We visited some synagogues including 19 Princelet Street and Sandys Row. We learnt how some of the synagogue buildings have been used for the different faiths who have lived in East London.
We saw the sign for the Soup Kitchen. The building is now a block of flats.
Diane took us along Petticoat Lane and talked about the market.
She showed us some Bagel shops and a Burger King restaurant which used to be Blooms.
We saw the Astronomer Pub. It has a plaque stating that it was originally the office of The Jewish Board of Guardians.
Diane told us that Spitalfields is named after the Priory and Hospital of St. Marys, Spittal. It was a Monastery in the Fields and a stone from the chapel is still there! Whitechapel is named after a chapel which was bombed in World War 11.
She mentioned some Jewish people who lived in the East End including Miriam Moses, Bernard Delfont, Bernard Kops and Marc Gertler.
Diane also showed some old Sephardi Cemeteries.
She spoke for one and a half hours and told us many more facts and stories.
The Zoom meeting ended with some members reminiscing about their lives and families in the East End. So we had a lively discussion. They enjoyed her talk.
Diane is an amazing guide. She is a wonderful story teller. She has a vast knowledge of London. She gives real and virtual tours of London.
You can find out more about her walks on Diane Burstein Secret London Walking Tours or write to her on diane@secretlondonwalks.co.uk She also gives short talks and quizzes on her facebook page.
