East London is a district located in the eastern part of London, England. It lies east of the ancient City of London and north of the River Thames at the point where it begins to widen. Historically, the area developed as the primary industrial center for the city and served as its docklands.
The expansion of railways during the 19th century encouraged the eastward growth of the East End and led to a proliferation of new suburbs. In contemporary times, the former industrial lands of East London have become an area of significant regeneration, with projects well advanced in locations such as Canary Wharf and ongoing in other parts of the district.