Bow and Bromley-by-Bow--located at the heart of London's East End--grew up around crossings over the river Lea. The area saw rapid changes from a 17th-century rural retreat to densely populated terraced streets, as mills were built along the river and a variety of industries developed, including gunpowder, silk, and matches. This volume brings to life the hidden history of Bow and Bromley-by-Bow, the stories behind the pubs and streets, churches and schools, as well as extraordinary survivals from the past despite massive redevelopment over the last few decades. It also describes the achievements of the Suffragettes and the Bryant & May matchgirls, who forced their bosses through strike action to address the problems of appalling working conditions and endemic ill-health caused by their work. Illustrated with engravings, drawings, and photographs from the collection held at Tower Hamlets Local History Library and Archive, this is the first book to focus on this part of the city and will be welcomed by anyone whose roots are in the East End.