Whitechapel Altab Ali Park, Former Location of Whitechapel Church

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Formerly, this small patch of green along Whitechapel Road and White Church Lane, was called St. Mary's Park. It was named after the church that used to stand here, St. Mary Matfelon. This area of London has a lot of history and diversity. It was once a slum area, the site of the Jack the Ripper murders, a place that attracted immigrants, and a place becoming gentrified as the City of London expands.   From 1250 to 1286, a chapel (St. Mary Matfelon) made from Kentish chalk was built here and and nick-named "white chapel" because of the church's white colour, and this is how the area got its name.

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The church was rebuilt in the late 1600s using red bricks and again in the late 1800s. It was the first to have trees planted in order to absorb gases from the overflowing graves, which was a problem in London because there was not enough space to bury the dead.

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In the 1600s, this area was filled with tanneries. A little later, many of bell foundries existed in this area to make bells for churches and companies. The Whitechapel Bell Foundry still exists, and I had a tour here last March, which you can read about

In 1940 during the Blitz, the church was hit by a bomb and damaged. Afterwards, it became derelict and used by criminals and squatters. In 1952, it was struck by lightning and completely demolished afterwards. All that remains are some graves and some of the floor. A few graves were notable people. The executioner of King Richard the 1st is meant to be buried here.

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In 1978, the area saw more sadness as Bengali clothing worker Altab Ali was murdered in Alder Road in a racially-motivated attack. The park was used for demonstrations after this happened, to raise awareness. The park was dedicated to him in 1994 and renamed.

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In 2012, the park was reconstructed and an archelogical dig took place. Some remains were uncovered form the past churches, and monuments were created. These are on display in the park.

This park has undergone a lot of change and reflects the diversity of the area today.

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