Fieldgate Mansions

This tenement block was built at the turn of the 19th and 20th centuries by the Davis Brothers for the London Hospital. Scheduled for demolition in 1972 the tenants were "decanted" and the empty flats were quickly squatted by a mix of activists, artists and low paid Bengali immigrant workers who successfully banded together, building a strong community that forced the council to abandon their plans for destruction and instead to rehabilitate the flats, forming the nucleus of today's strong community.

Bengali Girl 1

Bengali boy plays in the courtyard of Fieldgate Mansions

Fieldgate Mansions, a 19th century tenement block due to be demolished in 1972 but preserved by squatters occupying it.

Fieldgate Mansions, Whitechapel.

Fieldgate Mansions, a 19th century tenement block due to be demolished in 1972 but preserved by squatters occupying it.

H80-12-1 John E preparing an injection of medically prescribed heroin in Fieldgate Mansions. After 3 decades of heroin use John gave up drugs. He had worked for the entire time and was still fairly fit and well due to the availability of clean, cheap drugs.

Fieldgate Mansions, a 19th century tenement block due to be demolished in 1972 but preserved by squatters occupying it.View from David Hoffman's flat at 144.Winter 1978.

Brick Lane area, London 1973 - 1992

Children play with an abandoned car in Fieldgate Mansions

Fieldgate Mansions, a 19th century tenement block due to be demolished in 1972 but preserved by squatters occupying it.Bengali girls playing, 1980. This is not something that would be allowed now.

K45-37 -1 Bengali children in the Romford Street part of Fieldgate Mansions, a 19th century tenement block due to be demolished in 1972 but preserved by squatters occupying it.

Fieldgate Mansions, a 19th century tenement block due to be demolished in 1972 but preserved by squatters occupying it.1978 or 1979.

Fieldgate Mansions, a 19th century tenement block due to be demolished in 1972 but preserved by squatters occupying it.

D10-19A March in protest against the Criminal Trespass Bill, central London 1975.

Fieldgate Mansions, a 19th century tenement block due to be demolished in 1972 but preserved by squatters occupying it.