| Tower Division | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Area | |
| • 1801 | 9,515 acres (38.51 km2) |
| Population | |
| • 1801 | 215,382 |
| • 1841 | 513,501 |
| • 1881 | 1,018,337 |
| Density | |
| • 1801 | 22.6/acre |
| • 1841 | 54/acre |
| • 1881 | 107/acre |
| History | |
| • Created | 17th century |
| • Abolished | 1900 |
| • Succeeded by | Bethnal Green MB Stepney MB Poplar MB Shoreditch MB Hackney MB |
| Status | division of hundred, liberty |
The Tower Division was a liberty in the ancient county of Middlesex, England. It was also known as the Tower Hamlets, and took its name from the military obligations owed to the Constable of the Tower of London. The term 'Hamlets' probably referred to territorial sub-divisions of the parish of Stepney – and its daughter parishes – rather than to the usual meaning of a small village.[1][2]
In contemporary terms, the Liberty covered inner East London, the area now administered by the eponymous modern London Borough of Tower Hamlets together with most of the modern London Borough of Hackney (Shoreditch and Hackney proper). The Liberty was seen as synonymous with East London until East London extended further, east of the Lea and into Essex.
The Tower Division was formed sometime in the 17th century but the much older administrative units comprising the area were united in shared military obligations long before this time. The Liberty had judicial and some local government responsibilities, and its military function was unique.
- ^ Young's guide describes Hamlets as devolved areas of Parishes - but does not describe this area specifically Youngs, Frederic (1979). Guide to the Local Administrative Units of England. Vol. I: Southern England. London: Royal Historical Society. ISBN 0-901050-67-9.
- ^ Joel Gascoyne's maps of Stepney in 1703 show the Hamlets of the parish occupying the same boundaries as when they subsequently became independent parishes