Spitalfields
Spitalfields, an area in Tower Hamlets, east London near to Liverpool Street station and Brick Lane which gets its name from a contraction of 'hospital fields', as there used to be a major hospital in the area. Today, Spitalfields is home to a vibrant Jewish community. The area is home to the historic Old Spitalfields market. The market, which receives 20,000 visitors every Sunday, was founded here in the 17th century.
The area is well known for its arts scene. Whitechapel Gallery is located at the bottom of Brick Lane, and amongst the many well known artists living in Spitalfields are Gilbert and George, Tracey Emin, and Stuart Brisley.
Spitalfields was long associated with the silk industry, established by French Protestant (Huguenot) refugees who settled in the area after the Revocation of the Edict of Nantes (1685).