Ratcliff is an area of East London. It is in the London Borough of Tower Hamlets.[1] It is located on the north side of the River Thames. It was once a hamlet in the historic county of Middlesex.[2]
Ratcliff is the site of one of London biggest fires in 1794. It began at Clovers Barge Yard. The flames quickly spread to a nearby barge loaded with saltpetre. This was a substance used to make gunpowder and matches. This exploded. Causing the fire to spread and destroying Ratcliff.[3]
Etymology
Ratcliff name is from a sandstone cliff. This used to be above the surrounding marshes. This had a red appearance. Hence Red-cliffe.
History
Ratcliffe was known for shipbuilding.[4] It was an important sea departure area. In the sixteenth century. Such as Willoughby and Frobisher.[4] Ratcliffe at this time also had the largest population in Stepney. Having 3500 residents.[4]
Around 1669. Almost 200 Presbyterians were worshipping inside a warehouse in Ratcliffe. There was a purpose-built Quaker meeting house in Schoolhouse Lane that had been built near the same time.[5]
Ratcliffe was divided between the parishes of Limehouse and Stepney until 1866. It was constituted a separate civil parish. It was then administered by Limehouse District Board of Works. In 1900 it joined the Metropolitan Borough of Stepney.[6]
As the warehouses fell into decline. They were not allowed to stand and were cleared for redevelopment.[7]
References
