Women of the East End

This particular book has been a personal labour of love. In delving into the history of women of the East End, I discovered not only the most incredible women, the personal history of my family and a group of equally passionate community historians, archivists and writers. I discovered a new cousin in the daughter of East End playwright Bernard Kops, who generously gave her support and memories. Such is the power of the East End! This book also features recollections from Gillian Walnes Perry, co-founder and honorary Vice President of the Anne Frank Trust UK and introductions from Rachel Kolsky, Blue Badge Tour Guide, Julie Begum, an East Ender and a co-founder of the Swadhinata Trust, one of the first organisations specialising in promoting Bengali culture and history among young people and Farhanah Mamooojee, the driving force behind the blue plaque recently given to The Ayahs Home. The story of Women of the East End is one of layers weaving together to make an intricate, fascinating tapestry of stories, from Huguenots, to Jewish immigrants to the Bengali community. That all these women have their own stories, layered over one another across the same buildings and streets, over so many decades, is to me endlessly fascinating. To me the East End is a fascinating microcosm of the human experience - and its history must be preserved.