I love all of East London (well, most of it!) – that’s why I sell property here. I practice what I preach too and I’ve been living in Bow for the last ten years. Bow has a great location and a great vibe, as well as providing essentials like schools and shops. Here’s why I love Bow, and why I think you’d love living here too:

Some history

It’s called Bow because there was a bow-shaped bridge there built in the twelfth century. There used to be a ford to cross the river (hence the name of nearby Stratford) until Queen Matilda fell in the water there in 1110. All very embarrassing and awkward…but it did lead to the construction of the bridge! The current one’s from 1967.

Bow is also home to the Bryant and May factory, famous for its 1888 strike. The factory has since been redeveloped as flats known as the Bow Quarter. Bow Road was the address of suffragette Sylvia Pankhurst, Emmeline’s daughter. With all this history, as well as many beautiful buildings, it’s easy to see why Bow is a designated conservation area.

Location and commuting from Bow

Bow, E3, is in the London Borough of Tower Hamlets. It is located directly north of the Isle of Dogs, at the point where the Grand Union Canal meets the River Lea. It is in travel zone 2, walking and cycling distance from Docklands. People travelling to the City or the West End to work can use Bow Road tube station, or take the DLR from Bow Church.

Bow is near to the Olympic Park at Stratford, Victoria Park in neighbouring Hackney and Mile End Park, all providing some welcome green space as well as a range of events and activities.

Where to live in Bow

In addition to the older buildings along Bow Road and Roman Road, there are a number of new developments. There are some fantastic live/work units in the Omega Works, ideal for artists and other creatives. We are also very excited about the new build properties at Douro Place and Ivy Point – please see our property pages for more details.

Shopping in Bow

Bow has plenty of shops of its own, including many independent shops and Broadway Market. It’s also close to Westfield Stratford City, one of the largest urban shopping centres in Europe, and there’s a big Tesco at Hancock Road for the weekly shop, too.

Schools in Bow

Chisenhale Primary School is the local school. It is currently rated “good” by Ofsted, with data showing that children’s academic achievement is above the national standard.

The St Paul’s Way Trust School provides secondary education in the area and is rated “outstanding” by Ofsted.

Buy and sell property in Bow, E3

I’ve been working in the East End for nearly twenty years and living here for ten. If you’d like to tap into my local knowledge and sell your property with someone who knows the East London property market well, give me, Adam Dockley, a call today on 020 3633 4440.