John Bailie, one of the 1820 Settlers, surveyed the Buffalo River mouth and founded the town in 1836. The city formed around the only river port in South Africa and was originally known as Port Rex. Later it was renamed London in honour of the capital city of the United Kingdom, hence the name East London.

What is special about East London?

East London is all about its long, white stretches of sandy beach that appeal to surfers, swimmers and sun worshippers alike. The beaches here are some of the finest in the world and a few, like Nahoon Reef, are a surfers paradise and host to international surfing competitions.

Who founded East London?

In 1847 a post, known as Fort Buffalo, was built on the west bank of the river. On 14 January 1848 the new Governor, Sir Harry Smith, formally annexed the port and its surrounding territory to a radius of about 3 km to the Cape Colony and named it East London.

Why is East London famous?

No two streets in east London are the same. As famous for Jack the Ripper as it is for Brick Lane, the area is a cultural melting pot where you can get involved with a diverse range activities from watching sporting events in the Olympic Park to browsing independent galleries in Hoxton.

What is classed as East London?

By most definitions, it is east of the ancient City of London and north of the River Thames. It broadly comprises the London boroughs of Barking and Dagenham, Hackney, Havering, Newham, Redbridge, Tower Hamlets and Waltham Forest.

Which city in UK has cheapest houses?

Londonderry, in Northern Ireland was found to be the most affordable U.K. city for buying a home in 2021, according to an analysis by British bank Halifax.