Altab Ali Park: A Historic Symbol of Community and Resistance in East London
A historic East London park honoring Altab Ali’s legacy, blending cultural heritage, community activism, and peaceful green space.
Altab Ali Park, located on Adler Street in London's East End, is a small urban green space steeped in history and cultural significance. Formerly St Mary's Park, it was renamed in 1998 to honor Altab Ali, a young Bangladeshi textile worker whose tragic murder in 1978 galvanized the local community against racism. The park features memorials including a striking wrought-iron arch and the Shaheed Minar monument, reflecting the area's rich multicultural heritage and ongoing fight for equality.
A brief summary to Altab Ali Park
- Adler St, London, E1 1FD, GB
- +442073645227
- Visit website
- Duration: 0.5 to 2 hours
- Free
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
- Monday 12 am-12 am
- Tuesday 12 am-12 am
- Wednesday 12 am-12 am
- Thursday 12 am-12 am
- Friday 12 am-12 am
- Saturday 12 am-12 am
- Sunday 12 am-12 am
Local tips
- Visit the wrought-iron Altab Ali Arch at the park entrance to appreciate its intricate Bengali-European design symbolizing cultural fusion.
- Explore the Shaheed Minar monument in the southwest corner, a replica honoring the Bengali Language Movement martyrs.
- Attend the annual Altab Ali Day on May 4 to experience community commemorations and learn about local anti-racist activism.
- Notice the preserved floor plan and graves of the old St Mary Matfelon church, connecting the park to Whitechapel’s medieval past.
- Enjoy the family-friendly play areas and floodlit turf, making the park a relaxing urban retreat amid the city bustle.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Seating Areas
- Information Boards
Getting There
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London Underground
Take the District or Hammersmith & City lines to Aldgate East station, approximately a 7 to 10-minute walk to Altab Ali Park. The station is fully accessible with step-free access. No additional fare beyond standard London Underground pricing applies.
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Bus
Bus routes 25, 205, and 254 serve stops near Altab Ali Park on Whitechapel Road. Buses run frequently throughout the day, with journey times varying depending on starting location. Use an Oyster card or contactless payment for fares, typically £1.75 per single journey.
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Walking
If you are in the Whitechapel or Aldgate area, walking to Altab Ali Park is straightforward and takes about 10 to 20 minutes on mostly flat, paved streets. The route is suitable for wheelchairs and strollers.
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Taxi or Ride-Hailing
Taxis and ride-hailing services can drop you off directly at the park entrance on Adler Street. Travel times depend on traffic but generally range from 10 to 25 minutes from central London. Expect fares starting around £8, varying by distance and time of day.
Altab Ali Park location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Rain / Wet Weather
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Clear Skies
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Mild Temperatures
Discover more about Altab Ali Park
Roots in Whitechapel's Historic Landscape
Altab Ali Park occupies the site of the former 14th-century St Mary Matfelon church, a whitewashed chapel that gave Whitechapel its name. Although the church was heavily damaged during The Blitz in 1940 and later demolished, the park preserves its floor plan and some graves, anchoring the space in centuries of local history. The park’s location at the intersection of Adler Street, White Church Lane, and Whitechapel Road situates it firmly within the vibrant and diverse East London community.A Memorial to Altab Ali and the Fight Against Racism
Renamed in 1998, the park commemorates Altab Ali, a 24-year-old British Bangladeshi leather clothing worker murdered in a racially motivated attack in 1978. His death sparked a powerful response from the local Bengali community and allies, leading to mass protests and a strengthened movement against racial violence in the East End. The park’s entrance is marked by a wrought-iron arch designed by David Petersen, which combines Bengali and European motifs to symbolize cultural fusion and resilience.Symbols of Bengali Heritage and Cultural Identity
Within the park stands the Shaheed Minar, a monument replicating the one in Dhaka, Bangladesh, honoring those who died during the 1952 Bengali Language Movement. This semi-circular concrete plinth with steel screens represents a mother and her martyred sons, serving as a poignant reminder of cultural pride and political struggle. The park also once featured a fragment of a Rabindranath Tagore poem along its central path, further connecting visitors to Bengali literary heritage.Community Hub and Site of Commemoration
Altab Ali Park functions as more than a green space; it is a focal point for community gatherings, political rallies, and cultural events. Annual commemorations such as Altab Ali Day on May 4 and International Mother Language Day on February 21 bring together London’s Bengali population and wider supporters to honor history and promote unity. The park’s design, enhanced by landscape architects muf, embraces the area’s complex history, juxtaposing its Christian roots with the contemporary multicultural fabric of East London.Design and Atmosphere Reflecting Diversity
The park’s layout intentionally highlights the layered identities of the neighborhood, avoiding a homogenized narrative. Its design juxtaposes historical elements with modern memorials, creating a space that invites reflection on social justice and cultural coexistence. The presence of play areas and floodlit turf makes it a welcoming urban oasis for families and locals, blending remembrance with everyday life.Legacy and Continuing Significance
Altab Ali Park stands as a testament to community resilience and the ongoing fight against racism. It symbolizes the power of place in fostering identity, memory, and activism within a diverse urban environment. The park is a unique landmark in Tower Hamlets, embodying the spirit of East London’s multicultural heritage and the enduring quest for equality and social justice.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
St Mary’s, Whitechapel (The White Chapel)
0.0 km
Historic site of St Mary’s Whitechapel, the iconic White Chapel that shaped East London’s identity and now commemorated as Altab Ali Park.
Travelodge London Central Liverpool Street
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Northumbria University - London
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182 Bishopsgate
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30 Saint Mary Axe - Swiss Re
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30 St Mary Axe (The Gherkin)
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London Wall
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Tower Hill Memorial
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Liverpool Street
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Explore the vibrant heart of London at Liverpool Street Station, a historic transport hub with modern amenities and access to iconic attractions.
Lloyd's of London
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8-12 Tower Hill
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1 Tower Hl Ter
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Tower of London
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Roman Wall of Londinium
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Wakefield Tower
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Unmissable attractions to see
Whitechapel Gallery
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Discover cutting-edge contemporary art and historic masterpieces in East London’s iconic Whitechapel Gallery, a century-old cultural landmark.
Whitechapel Bell Foundry
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Discover the historic Whitechapel Bell Foundry, London's legendary birthplace of iconic bells like Big Ben and the Liberty Bell.
The Jack the Ripper Tour
0.2 km
Step into Victorian London’s eerie East End on a gripping walking tour tracing Jack the Ripper’s chilling footsteps and stories.
The White Hart
0.2 km
Historic Whitechapel pub blending centuries-old charm with Jack the Ripper lore and vibrant East London culture.
Fashion St
0.4 km
Historic Fashion Street in Spitalfields blends East London’s rich past with contemporary creative life and urban renewal.
Brick Lane Mosque
0.4 km
Brick Lane Jamme Masjid: A historic mosque embodying centuries of faith, migration, and community in East London’s vibrant Spitalfields.
Princelet St
0.5 km
Step back into London’s rich immigrant past on Princelet Street, where Georgian heritage meets vibrant cultural history in Spitalfields.
Christ Church Spitalfields
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Discover the architectural marvel and vibrant history of Christ Church Spitalfields, a must-visit Anglican church in the heart of London.
Commercial St
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A vibrant East London artery blending historic industry, lively markets, and evolving urban culture between Shoreditch and Whitechapel.
Upmarket Brick Lane Food Hall
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Discover a lively indoor market in East London offering diverse global street food and a vibrant cultural atmosphere at Brick Lane.
Petticoat Lane Market
0.5 km
Experience the vibrant history and diverse culture of Petticoat Lane Market, East London's iconic hub for textiles, fashion, and street food.
The Brick Lane Vintage Market
0.6 km
Explore the UK's largest vintage market in East London, a vibrant hub for retro fashion, unique collectibles, and cultural energy seven days a week.
Backyard Market
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Discover East London's vibrant creative scene at Backyard Market, a weekend hotspot for unique art, fashion, and artisanal treasures in the historic Old Truman Brewery.
St Botolph without Aldgate
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Historic Anglican church at London’s ancient eastern gate, blending centuries of architecture, community stories, and the oldest working organ in the UK.
Dray Walk
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Discover East London’s vibrant art scene at Dray Walk Gallery, a dynamic creative space within the iconic Old Truman Brewery on Brick Lane.
Essential places to dine
Mattarello Chiodo Bolognese Restaurant
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Barcelona Tapas Bar & Restaurant
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Authentic Spanish tapas and warm hospitality in the heart of London’s City since 1991.
Marugame Udon Middlesex Street
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Experience freshly handcrafted Japanese udon and crispy tempura in a lively open kitchen setting at Marugame Udon Middlesex Street, London’s authentic udon destination.
La Dame de Pic London
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Discover refined French gastronomy and elegant dining in a historic London landmark with two Michelin stars and innovative cuisine.
14 Hills
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Experience modern British cuisine in a lush, sky-high garden with breathtaking panoramic views over London’s iconic skyline.
Lyle's
1.0 km
Michelin-starred Lyle's serves innovative, seasonal British cuisine in a minimalist Shoreditch setting with a relaxed, refined atmosphere.
Brawn
1.4 km
Seasonal Mediterranean small plates and natural wines in a lively, vintage-inspired Shoreditch setting on Columbia Road.
The Clove Club
1.4 km
Two Michelin stars meet innovative modern British cuisine in a historic Shoreditch Town Hall setting with a unique urban garden.
Nest Restaurant Old Street
1.4 km
Intimate Shoreditch gem offering creative British seasonal tasting menus in a cozy, historic setting with a sustainable ethos.
Restaurant Story
1.6 km
Experience a two Michelin-starred culinary journey where storytelling meets British fine dining in the heart of London Bridge.
Da Terra Restaurant
1.8 km
Experience innovative two-Michelin-star Modern European cuisine with vibrant Brazilian influences in the heart of East London’s historic Bethnal Green.
Madison
1.9 km
Stylish rooftop dining and cocktails with breathtaking views of St Paul’s Cathedral and London’s skyline.
George
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Step into London’s last galleried coaching inn, where history, hearty ales, and a lively courtyard blend in a timeless pub experience.
St. John
2.3 km
Experience authentic British nose-to-tail dining in the heart of London’s Barbican at St. John, where tradition meets modern culinary artistry.
Dans le Noir ? London Restaurant
2.4 km
Experience dining like never before in total darkness, guided by visually impaired waitstaff in a sensory adventure at Dans le Noir ? London.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Middlesex Textiles
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Discover London’s premier West African fabric store offering vibrant, high-quality textiles with unmatched variety and service since 1969.
DPUS Designer Outlet
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Authentic designer fashion outlet in Shoreditch’s historic Old Truman Brewery, blending luxury style with urban culture and unbeatable prices.
Brick Lane Souvenirs
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Discover affordable, stylish London souvenirs and gifts in the heart of Brick Lane’s vibrant cultural scene.
Traders Gate
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A long-standing family-run gift shop on Tower Hill, offering classic London souvenirs and local charm just steps from the Tower of London.
Tower of London Shop
1.1 km
Explore the Tower of London Shop for unique souvenirs that celebrate British heritage and history in the heart of London.
Luna & Curious
1.2 km
Discover Shoreditch’s curated boutique of British craftsmanship, quirky design, and independent retail at Luna & Curious.
The Royal Exchange
1.3 km
A majestic neoclassical landmark blending 450 years of London’s trading history with luxury shopping in the City’s financial heart.
Tower Bridge - Engine Rooms and Official Gift Shop
1.4 km
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1 Poultry
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Hay's Galleria
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Barbican Shop
1.8 km
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Hoxton Street Monster Supplies
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Borough Yards
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Bermondsey Antique Market
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Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Apples & Pears Cocktail Bar
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Discount Suit Company
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The Bell
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The Astronomer, EC1
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The Mayor of Scaredy Cat Town
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The Alchemist Bevis Marks
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Dirty Dicks
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The Cocktail Trading Co. Shoreditch
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The Hung Drawn & Quartered, EC3
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The Bootlegger
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The Old Blue Last
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The Cocktail Club - Cocktail Bar near Old Street
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Aviary
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Ballie Ballerson London
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Nightclubs & after hour spots
E1
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The Hoxton Pony
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Trafik
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Basing House - Shoreditch
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XOYO LONDON
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The Steel Yard
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London Best Night Clubs
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Ministry of Sound
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Corsica Studios
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Club 701
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Proud Late
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Carwash Nightclub
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STRAWBERRY SUNDAE
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Cirque Du Soul
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We Are Waterloo
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For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Tranquil
- Scenic
- Cultural Heritage
- Relaxing
- Unique
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Rustic Designs
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
- Sacred Sites
- Heritage Neighborhoods
- Parks & Gardens
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Architectural Shots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Locally Managed
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Myth & Legends
- Mindfulness
- Day Trip
- Weekend Getaway
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- LGBT Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Wheelchair Access
- Pet Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Female Friendly
- Vegetarian Friendly
- Vegan Friendly
