Year one Geography students went to Spitalfields and Brick Lane this week. This forms part of the student’s place study to contrast with Henley, and also the experience urban fieldwork techniques to add to their portfolio of skills.
Year one Geography students went to Spitalfields and Brick Lane this week. Spitalfields was once a fruit and veg market but is now home to a hipster market where vintage clothing, street food from all over the world, top hats, Russian militaria, taxidermy, leather trunks and a cornucopia of goods are available at a price.
This forms part of the student’s place study to contrast with Henley, and also the experience urban fieldwork techniques to add to their portfolio of skills. Starting in Spitalfields they produced photologs showing social economic and environmental changes scored the environment and completed tasks on the changing character of housing and services.
The East End has always been recognised for the wealth of cultures represented; this area was a haven for immigrants moving into London to escape persecution abroad or looking for a better life. During the 19th and 20th centuries, it was best known for its Irish and Jewish population. The community living in and around Brick Lane today is predominantly Bangladeshi. This once poor area is now becoming subject to gentrification (the process of renovating a district to conform to middle-class or upper-class tastes). This is prevalent in the many expensive shops, cafes and art spaces that are replacing the local convenience stores. Many students enjoyed the political messages in the well developed graffiti.
For more information on our Geography courses please visit http://www.henleycol.ac.uk/courses/full-time-courses/a-levels/geography/
