Bethnal Green is a district in the East End of London, England. It was originally a hamlet of Stepney, before becoming a parish in 1743 and eventually becoming part of the Metropolis. Its industry shifted from agricultural provision for the city of London to market gardens and weaving. By the late-nineteenth century, the area was one of London’s poorest slums. It became the Borough of Bethnal Green in 1900 and was subject to aerial bombardment in the Second World War. Social housing developments were subsequently developed here.