Fashion Street, Spitalfields – A Historic East London Thoroughfare

Origins and Early Development of Fashion Street

Fashion Street, originally known as Fossan Street, was laid out in the mid-17th century as part of the Fossan Estate owned by Thomas and Lewis Fossan. The southern side dates from around 1655, while the northern side was developed by the Wheler estate trustees circa 1669. The street’s name evolved from Fossan to Fashion over time. It historically marked the northern boundary of the Fossan Estate and was connected to White's Row, once called New Fashion Street, reflecting its early urban layout.

Victorian Decline and Social Challenges

By the late 19th century, Fashion Street had declined into one of the East End’s worst slums. The south side was linked to the infamous Flower and Dean Street area, known for squalid courts and criminal activity. Pubs such as the Queen's Head, George and Guy, and Three Cranes once stood at street corners but no longer exist. The street also had a Jewish presence, with the Fashion Street Sephardic Synagogue operating in New Court until around 1906.

20th Century Transformations and the Arcade

In 1905, builder Abraham Davis leased much of the south side and constructed the Fashion Street Arcade, intended as a covered shopping arcade with 250 shops, a reading room, and bathrooms. However, only 63 shops were completed, and the project failed commercially. By 1909, Davis was ejected for non-payment of rent, and parts of the arcade were repurposed as factories. Today, the arcade still exists, housing various companies, though partially demolished.

Modern-Day Character and Cultural Links

Today, Fashion Street retains many older buildings, especially the arcade and early 20th-century dwellings on the north side. These have been redeveloped internally to serve as apartments, offices, and art galleries, reflecting the area's gentrification and creative resurgence. The street is culturally significant as the childhood home of playwright Arnold Wesker, who set his 1957 play "Chicken Soup with Barley" here. It also holds historical interest due to its connection with Jack the Ripper victim Catherine Eddowes, who gave a Fashion Street address upon her arrest.

Location and Surroundings in Spitalfields

Fashion Street sits in the heart of Spitalfields, a vibrant East London district known for its markets, diverse communities, and rich history. It lies between Brick Lane and Commercial Street, close to landmarks like Spitalfields Market and the Old Truman Brewery. The area is well connected by public transport, with Aldgate East Tube station a short walk away. Spitalfields blends historic charm with a lively arts and culinary scene, making Fashion Street a notable part of this dynamic neighborhood.

Architectural and Social Fabric Today

The street’s architecture reflects its layered history, with Victorian and early 20th-century buildings alongside modern refurbishments. It embodies the East End’s transition from industrial and working-class roots to a mixed-use area with creative industries and residential developments. Despite gentrification, the street maintains a sense of its gritty past, visible in surviving architectural details and its place in London’s social history.