4. On the Waterfront
Passengers

People as well as cargo passed through the port. At the turn of the century London was the focal point for people arriving in and departing from Britain.

Some were returning from service in Britain's colonies while others were merchants on business.

Russian Jews fleeing persecution arrived in large numbers after 1880 to swell the Jewish population in the East End of London.

Many came seeking a better way of life, and some were forced to stay because they could not afford the fare to go on to America.

A substantial number of Lithuanians settled in London for this reason. The traffic was not one way. Large numbers of people were emigrating from Britain to escape poverty and unemployment.

There were many schemes in East London, set up by charities and local councils, to help people find jobs and a new start in countries like Australia and Canada.