Aldgate | E1

Aldgate, as the name suggests, was home to one of London’s seven main gates that allowed people to come and go through the wall that encircled the city back in Roman times. While the gate has long since been demolished, still in existence is the historic Aldgate Pump, located on the junction where Aldgate meets Fenchurch Street and Leadenhall Street. The pump itself, with its distinctive wolf head design, dates back to 1876, but a well has existed on the site since the early 1200s. The site became infamous as the source of the Aldgate Pump Epidemic where several hundred people died as a result of drinking polluted water (believed to be contaminated by decaying cadavers in nearby graveyards). Today, however, Aldgate is thankfully better known for being London’s insurance capital, with several of the major broking firms and underwriters based here.

However, despite its reputation as a business district, it has recently seen an increase in residential development to accommodate an influx of affluent, young professionals attracted by the city lifestyle. Also giving the area a new lease of life is the major redevelopment that recently took place around St Botolph's Church to create Aldgate Square (now one of the largest public spaces in the Square Mile).

Located in Zone 1, Aldgate transport links provide direct routes throughout the capital. Aldgate station is on the Circle, Metropolitan and Hammersmith & City lines, while Aldgate East station is on the District and Hammersmith & City Lines.

Schools in Aldgate include the English Martyrs Roman Catholic Primary School, rated good by Ofsted and The Aldgate School, formerly the Sir John Cass's Foundation Primary School, which has an outstanding Ofsted rating. Secondary students attend the Mulberry School for Girls, again rated outstanding or the Bishop Challoner Catholic Federation of Schools that consists of three schools, a boy’s, a girl’s and a sixth form, with varying Osfted ratings.

Things To Do In Aldgate

When it comes to attractions in Aldgate, Norman Foster's skyscraper, 30 St Mary Axe (also known as 'the Gherkin'), is hard to miss, being widely regarded as one of the world’s most iconic buildings. Why not treat yourself to a meal at Searcys Helix Restaurant while you’re there, as well as offering a fine dining experience it also has the most spectacular panoramic views of the city.

On Aldgate High Street you'll find a great selection of cafes, restaurants, bars and pubs, while Leadenhall Market, Petticoat Lane Market and Brick Lane Market - with its huge selection of independent shops and eateries - are all close by. Lovers of culture should definitely pay a visit to the Whitechapel Art Gallery, famous for its groundbreaking contemporary art exhibitions.