The geographical boundary of east London is somewhat subjective and varies depending on context, but the popular opinion generally includes areas east of the City of London and north of the River Thames. This typically encompasses boroughs like Tower Hamlets, Newham, Waltham Forest, Redbridge, Barking and Dagenham, Havering, and Hackney – so, the Northeast quadrant of Greater London, and even some parts of Essex.
Popular boundaries of east London:
- Traditional view: Historically, east London refers to the areas covered by the former East End, particularly Tower Hamlets, Newham, and Hackney.
- Modern view: With urban expansion, east London is often considered to stretch further to include boroughs like Waltham Forest, Redbridge, Barking and Dagenham, and even Havering.
Alternative viewpoints:
- Strict East End definition: Some purists argue that east London should be limited to the traditional East End, primarily the inner boroughs like Tower Hamlets and Newham.
- Greater London perspective: Others extend east London to include more distant boroughs like Havering and even parts of Essex, especially in a broader, suburban context.
- River Thames boundary: In some views, areas south of the River Thames, such as parts of Greenwich, are included in the conversation, though they are more commonly associated with Southeast London.
These variations arise due to different historical, cultural, and administrative interpretations of the region. There’s no doubt, future generations will have different viewpoints and mark new boundaries.