Aldgate | EC3A

The clue is in the name but historically it was home to one of the 'gates' of London and essentially a defense post, mainly to protect against possible attacks by the French. Today it is London's insurance capital with several of the major broking firms and underwriters based here. There had never been much in the way of residential property but recently several landmark developments have been erected or are in the process of being erected, to house some high end luxury apartments for affluent city workers.

Aldgate is also well know for its pump. The historic pump stands at the junction of Aldgate High Street, Fenchurch Street and Leadenhall Street. The pump itself dates from 1876, standing slightly west to the site of an ancient well that stood before it. Although it is unclear how long the site has been used as a well, it was first mentioned in John Stow's 1598 survey of London. The pump is perhaps most famous for the Aldgate Pump Epidemic, where several hundred people died as a result of drinking polluted water. At first people started complaining of a foul taste in the water that came out of the fountain.

Things To Do In Aldgate

Aside from being well placed to take advantage of everything London has to offer, notably the Tower of London which is only a short stroll, Aldgate has plenty on its doorstep to ex cited about. There is the Whitechapel Gallery on Whitechapel High Street, the culinary delights of Brick Lane and a rather high concentration of strip clubs for those that like to frequent such establishments.