When reading the history behind the area of Spitalfields, understanding what significance Spitalfields had and how it remains significant allows me to relate to the community around me at some level. When the first immigrants (the Huguenots) came to East London in, it was not because they lacked opportunities or had to seek economic independence. It was because they were oppressed by their then King, they wanted the freedom to practice their faith. To accomplish this, they left their country and found Spitalfields in order to escape their oppression. Even though they left their surroundings, they came and lived their lives being the people they wanted to be, free of any ‘weight’ holding them down.

A few centuries passed, which the area transformed and became the Jewish settlement for those escaping their peril from Russia and Eastern Europe. Their reasoning was drastically different from the Huguenots, as they came to London to save their own lives. As a result, they were not treated with much respect and the locals did not think they were worthy of coming to London, instead they were called and treated like savages by the local populace. Despite that, they continued to prosper and created a close-knit community with their limited ability which went on to be part of the overarching London society.

Soon after, the torch was passed over to the Bengali’s to carry the legacy of being the next migrant community in Spitalfields. They came here in search of a new beginning and economic success, which many did to some extent. Now nicknamed “Banglatown”, Spitalfields has transformed once again to suit the new influx of Bengalis settling in London. That being said, it still has some features and sites that showcase the historic migrant stories that came before. 

This taught me that almost everyone who has migrated to a foreign land is always in search of something, be it freedom or economic success. They have a goal or dream they always want to achieve from this. This leap of faith is what motivates these communities to flourish, to fulfil their ambitions. I see myself doing that exact same thing, with me coming to London to get an education I desire. To be able to find some success in what I do. To be the best version of me. The story of Spitalfields can encapsulate this precise dream of what most people want to achieve, to aspire to. With that, the story of Spitalfields in many ways is about a story of us.