The Blind Beggar: Historic East End Pub Steeped in Legend and Infamy

A Legendary Name Rooted in Medieval Folklore

The Blind Beggar derives its name from the ballad and legend of the Blind Beggar of Bethnal Green, a tale dating back to the 13th century. The story tells of Henry de Montfort, a nobleman blinded and impoverished after the Battle of Evesham in 1265, who lived disguised as a beggar to test the sincerity of those courting his daughter Bessy. This poignant narrative of lost nobility and hidden identity became popular in Tudor times and was immortalized in the arms of the Metropolitan Borough of Bethnal Green in 1900. The pub stands near the historic boundary between Bethnal Green and Whitechapel, reputedly on the very site where the beggar once begged.

From Brewing Heritage to Salvation Army Origins

The current building was erected in 1894 on the site of an inn established before 1654. In the early 19th century, the pub’s landlord purchased the adjacent small brewery, which grew into the Manns Albion Brewery, once the third largest in Britain. This brewery was notable for producing the first modern brown ale. Additionally, the Blind Beggar holds a unique place in social history as the location where William Booth delivered his first open-air sermon in 1865, sparking the foundation of the East London Christian Mission, which evolved into the Salvation Army. A statue commemorating Booth stands nearby, and the area remains significant to Salvationists.

Dark Tales of Crime and Gangster Infamy

The pub’s notoriety is heightened by its association with East End gangster history, particularly the infamous Kray twins. On March 9, 1966, Ronnie Kray shot and killed George Cornell, a rival gang member, inside the pub’s saloon bar, an event that shocked London and led to Kray’s life imprisonment. Earlier, in 1904, a violent incident involved a gang member stabbing a man in the eye with an umbrella, reflecting the pub’s rough reputation. Despite its dark past, the Blind Beggar remains a potent symbol of East End crime history and is a popular site for those intrigued by London’s gangster lore.

Atmosphere and Visitor Experience Today

The Blind Beggar retains a slightly sinister yet cozy atmosphere, with a dark interior that evokes its storied past. It features a large beer garden used for live music during summer and an impressive koi carp pond with fish the size of small dogs, offering a tranquil contrast to the pub’s gritty history. The pub serves a selection of ales, including its own 'Beggars Belief' ale, and focuses primarily on beverages rather than food. The location is also a favored start point for the Monopoly pub crawl, connecting it to London’s cultural fabric.

Architectural and Cultural Significance

Architecturally, the pub reflects late 19th-century design, preserving the character of a traditional East End public house. It stands at a key crossroads historically significant as part of the Great Essex Road route. The Blind Beggar is not only a place for social gathering but also a living museum of East London’s layered history—from medieval legends and brewing innovations to religious movements and notorious crime.

Enduring Legacy and Contemporary Relevance

Today, The Blind Beggar remains a vibrant part of London’s cultural and historical landscape. It draws visitors interested in its rich past, from Salvation Army pilgrims to crime history enthusiasts and local pub-goers. The pub’s blend of legend, history, and community spirit ensures its place as a cherished East End landmark, bridging centuries of stories and continuing to inspire curiosity and reflection.