Comments on: The Dosshouses of Spitalfields

By: Paul Smith

Paul Smith — Tue, 10 Mar 2026 17:48:04 +0000

Fascinating descriptions. Rampant capitalism at the time, where the rich got richer, and the poor got richer, just much more slowly. In the intervening period socialism has tried and failed. The rich are disappearing, the middle are getting poorer and the poor will again be abandoned. I feel that that this story not only describes our past but also foreshadows our future.

By: Marian cook (nee Gilbert)

Marian cook (nee Gilbert) — Sun, 22 Jun 2025 22:25:56 +0000

My grandfather’s uncle was Monsignor Daniel Gilbert , the founder. He was also a Vatican certified Exorcist. I have his autobiography written by cousin, Sir John Gilbert. The history of the family is fascinating. Sadly , no family fortunes or titles were inherited. My parents struggled and the saying “there but for the Grace of God , go you or I my friend” completely resonates with me.

By: Douglas

Douglas — Fri, 13 May 2022 03:54:56 +0000

Very interesting post as always. I’ve read the Orwell book you mention and can highly recommend it. Orwell is famous for his fiction but nonfiction was really his strength and shouldn’t be missed.

By: Mike Levy

Mike Levy — Thu, 13 Dec 2018 23:57:30 +0000

I’d like to read Tina Smith’s book. Is there any information on where it might be purchased, please.

Many thanks,
Mike Levy.

By: Kevin farrell

Kevin farrell — Wed, 01 Feb 2017 04:51:24 +0000

I spent 9 years in London back in the 1980s. The last Two I was Homeless. I spent 3 months at the row it helped me get back on my feet. I also stayed in tower house and Dean street hostel off oxford street. Boy them days were Tuff. After a lot of hard work I made it to the USA to start a new life. I will never forget the people from the hostels who showed me the way. Thank you so much.

By: Tina smith

Tina smith — Sun, 31 Jan 2016 16:02:36 +0000

Thank you for ongoing articles pertaining to Providence Row. I lived there as a child at age twelve, 1945, it was the year the Second World War ended. I lived, at Providence Row witihout parents, i was deeply ashamed at being there, being exposed to so much poverty, before i had a chance to understand a grown up life. I have written a book in three parts about my childhood in England, in various Catholic Institutions, part two is about my life at Providence Row.

By: Jennifer Davies

Jennifer Davies — Mon, 09 Feb 2015 16:28:37 +0000

Have just found that a distant relative of mine lived in Spitalfields, doss house? 1861. His name was Philip Boulter born 1842 Brighton Sussex.

By: Janis Wilson

Janis Wilson — Tue, 30 Sep 2014 19:17:55 +0000

I am trying to find the dimensions of a dosshouse in the late 19th Century. I understand some were three stories high, but that does not really give me the detail I am seeking. Many thanks.

By: Mary

Mary — Mon, 28 Apr 2014 10:20:59 +0000

I remember as a child being taken to visit someone in a large kitchen in a house/building between Wilkes St and Hanbury St called the two doubles or the bet doubles, do you know anything about it? I remember it being warm and having scrubbed tables with a lot of strangers and very capable women making tea. It was close to where the shire horses from Truman’s were stabled. I can’t say that I remember the area with fondness, but I miss the people. This was in the 50’s.

By: Sarah Sutherland

Sarah Sutherland — Sun, 06 Oct 2013 22:02:17 +0000

Inordinately excited to see Flower & Dean Street photographed here, as this is where my Jewish grandmother lived the last part of her life. Thank you