Spitalfields - Bengali Spitalfields

Question 1

When did Bengalis come to Spitalfields?

Answer 1

Nineteenth and early twentieth century.

Question 2

Why did Bengalis come to Spitalfields?

Answer 2

They migrated due to labour shortages in Britain after World War II and sought job opportunities in the clothing trade in Spitalfields to earn money to take back home to Bengal. The 1962 Commonwealth Immigrants Act further incentivized settlement as it restricted immigration to those with permits.

Question 3

What did the Bengali migrants in Spitalfields do?

Answer 3

• Many worked as cooks and waiters in “Indian” restaurants, predominantly Bengali-run, centered on Brick Lane in Spitalfields.
• Others worked in the clothing industry.

Question 4

What challenges did the Bengali migrants in Spitalfields face?

Answer 4

• Struggles to find decent housing due to the allocation system favoring long-standing applicants, leaving Bengali families in poor private rented accommodations.
• Faced racism, especially in the 1970s, with increased support for far-right groups like the National Front leading to racist attacks, including the murder of Altab Ali in 1978.

Question 5

How did the Bengali migrants in Spitalfields respond to the challenges they faced?

Answer 5

• Formed groups such as the Bengali Housing Action Group (BHAG) to campaign for better housing.
• The murder of Altab Ali catalyzed political involvement and activism within the Bengali community, leading to efforts to undermine far-right groups and increase community representation in politics.
• Increased involvement in politics and community initiatives, leading to economic growth and the renaming of the area as Banglatown in 1999.