Roman Road, Old Ford 
H

At the turn of the twentieth century, Roman Road was a typical street market much like any that 
could be found throughout the East End.  However, nobody went to the Roman Road Market, 
they went  “to the Roman” or “down the Roman”.  It was as simple as that.  These phrases are 
still used today.  Many of the shops also had their own stalls outside on the pavement and in the 
road.  

~ here on the left hand side looking west from Cardigan Road are: 
H

282 & 284 280a 
278a  

Jonathan Jennings, Grocer 
Toy Dealer  
William Beard, Shirtmaker 
North Bow Congregational Church 

Woolworths 
Tower Hamlets Credit Union 
Missing 
Converted into flats 

257 
255 
253 
251 
249 
247 
245 
243 
241 

John Clarke, Green Grocer 
William Worthington, Provision Merchants 
George Smith, Butchers 
Far Famed Sweet Co., Confectioners 
John Webb, Beer Retailer 
Samuel Abbott, Drapers 
James Linton, Bootmaker 
Andrew MacDonald, Physician and Surgeon 
Bow Baths, Public Baths and Wash-houses

- empty 
Pawnbrokers 
William Hill, betting shop 
Roman's Bargain Shop 
Essential Discounts 
Nationwide Building Society 
Grocers 

Demolished 

~ Bow Baths offered two classes of services - you could have a:

1st Class Swim for 6p or a 2nd Class for 2p 
1st Class Warm Bath for 6p or a 2nd Class for 2p 
1st Class Cold Bath for 2p or a 2nd Class for 1p  

The Wash-houses provided all the facilities needed to do the family wash, all for just 1½p per hour. Soap, Soap, soda and powder could also be purchased there “at competitive prices”.

After over a hundred years much has changed in Roman Road but surprisingly many of these 
buildings remain but, of course, with different traders( see above).