The first Salvation Army hostel for men was opened in a building on this site on 18th February 1888.
The plaque seems to suggest that there was an earlier shelter for women, and yes, there was. From : ".. the Army gradually became involved in a variety of social welfare activities. One of the earliest, in May 1884, was a women's refuge at 212 Hanbury Street in Whitechapel, opened as part of a campaign to rescue young women from prostitution. This was replaced in 1885 by larger premises at 48 Navarino Road, Dalston. A new women's shelter was opened at 194 Hanbury Street...." This is the address of the Brady Arts and Community Centre, where, 2023, a is based.
Site: Salvation Army - first hostel for men (1 memorial)
E14, West India Dock Road, 21
In our photo the plaque can be seen above the white panel/door to the left of the bus.
informs that this building is British Telecom offices, confirmed by the battery of equipment visible on its roof. The classical architectural references mark it out as post-modern, but even knowing that we are still struck by the oddness of the design. A side entrance provides vehicle access and we suspect the entire ground floor is, and was designed to be, parking. We've noticed that BT properties are often a visual detraction on the street scene. The least BT could do here would be to keep this intimidating, blank street frontage clear of graffiti.
Interesting that this shows the building on the left as "Tel. Exc. (GPO)". Further back in time this shows a "Timber Yard" on the site.
Credit for this entry to: Alan Patient of plaquesoflondon.co.uk
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