Bow and Bromley-by-Bow, at the heart of London's East End, grew up around crossings over the river Lea. The area saw rapid changes from a seventeenth-century rural retreat to densely populated terraced streets, as mills were built along the river and a variety of industries developed - such as gunpowder, silk and matches. In his new book, Gary Haines brings to life the hidden history of Bow and Bromley-by-Bow, the stories behind the pubs and streets, churches and schools, as well extraordinary survivals from the past - despite massive redevelopment over the last few decades. He also describes the achievements of the Suffragettes and the Bryant & May matchgirls, who forced their bosses, through strike action, to address the problems of appalling working conditions and endemic ill-health caused by their work.Illustrated with engravings, drawings and photographs from the collection held at Tower Hamlets Local History Library and Archive, "Bow & Bromley-by-Bow" is the first book to focus on this part of the City, and will be welcomed by anyone whose roots are in the East End.