Historical version 3 of East End (view current version)
One of those geographically imprecise terms for an area of London (cf West End), the East End is nevertheless well defined in the minds of most Londoners (and many non-Londoners too). Most would classify the East End as beginning at the easterly edge of the City -- that is around Aldgate and the [Tower]? and spreading eastwards towards the docks (now Docklands) and beyond out to at least [West]? and [East Ham]?. Quite where the East End ends, and East London begins, is a matter for serious debate and argument over a pint!
For centuries the East End has been synonymous with the run-down difficult living conditions suffered by London's poor -- both the indigenous residents and recent immigrants. Successive waves of immigration over the past few hundred years have made the East End their home: in the 17th century Huguenots, the 19th century Irish and Jews, and in the 20th century a large Bangladeshi community. Many of these communities were centred around Shoreditch -- especially Brick Lane -- and Whitechapel.
The area termed the East End also covers Bow, and therefore also Bow Church, and true [Cockney]? are supposed to have been born within the sound of this church's bells.
As the centre of London's industry and dockyards, the East End was a major target for the Luftwaffe during the Second World War, and The Blitz was actually responsibly for clearing vast swathes of slum housing, much of which wasn't finally rebuilt until the 1960s, and the arrival of modern concrete housing estates and tower blocks. The East End has also had its fair share of notoriety and infamy, being the stalking ground of Jack the Ripper, and the birthplace and "manor" of [The Krays]?.
(much more needs to be added to this entry!)