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Beyond the Bow Bells:

Tales from East London's voices

Step into the rich tapestry of East London's cultural heritage through our Oral Histories section. At the heart of this journey is Cockney Rhyming Slang, a linguistic treasure trove that's both a starting point and a vibrant thread in the fabric of our diverse community. But we delve deeper. Here, you'll explore the multitude of voices that call East London home, each narrating their unique stories, experiences, and connections to this remarkable region. Welcome to the immersive world of East London's linguistic and cultural evolution, where every voice tells a tale worth listening to.

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Belonging

Trace the paths of migration and explore the profound sense of belonging in East London, where diverse cultures converge, fostering global connections and shared identities.

13 Audios
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Cockney Heritage

Discover Cockney's vibrant history, born in the eclectic blend of East London's streets. From its 1859 roots, it's an evolving treasure, embodying pride and linguistic innovation.

11 Audios
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Cockney Rhyming Slang

Dive into the colorful world of Cockney Rhyming Slang, where language becomes artistry, reflecting the spirited pulse of East London's bustling and diverse community.

9 Audios
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Community

Explore the importance of community in East London, from cultural connections, diverse faiths, neighbourliness and family strength.

20 Audios
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Food

Savour East London's culinary heritage, rich with generations of flavors and traditions, a melting pot of global tastes that define our community.

10 Audios
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Explore Transcript Collection

Experience inclusivity with our transcript section, ensuring audio accessibility for all. Delve into the wealth of narratives through written transcripts, providing an accessible gateway for those seeking to engage with our content in a text format. Embracing diversity, our commitment to inclusivity extends beyond spoken words, making the stories within our collection accessible to everyone.

Record your own Oral History Interview

Find out how to add your own stories to our Voices of East Bank website. There are so many oral histories waiting to be told, while many other projects have already taken place. We are keen to share as many oral histories as we can to continue sharing East London’s rich history. Click below to find out more.

All recordings are now available at Newham Archive. Please contact the archive for access.

With special thanks to Roberto Belo-Rovella for editing our audio clips.

Cockney Heritage images: 'Pie and Mash' by Gordon Joly, captured at Chrisp Street Market (East India Dock Road). Licensed under Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License. Copyright © Gordon Joly. Link to the original image: View Image.

Thank You to Our Supporters

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to all our partners and supporters. Your dedication and contributions are instrumental in making Voices of East Bank a powerful platform for storytelling, education, and community engagement.

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