Buck’s Row, later renamed Durward Street, had a significant history and underwent various transformations over the years. Originally known as Ducking Pond Row due to the presence of a ducking pond near the junction with Brady Street, it acquired the name Buck’s Row around 1830, although it had been referred to by that name for many years prior.
In 1870, Browne & Eagle warehouses lined the north side of the street, while a row of terraced cottages stood on the south side, extending to a National School for Boys and Girls. However, the construction of the East London Underground Railway led to the demolition of the end of the terrace and the school in around 1875. A new board school was built in 1876-7, and the demolished houses were replaced by New Cottage and Brown’s Stable Yard. Essex Wharf was also constructed on the opposite side of the street during this time.
Buck’s Row, along with adjacent White’s Row, was renamed and renumbered Durward Street on 25 October 1892. The Brady Boys Club was added to the north side near Essex Wharf around 1896 but was later replaced by a newer building in 1927.
During the Second World War, New Cottage was severely damaged, and a garage was erected in its place around 1966, covering the site of the stable yard. The warehouses on the north side were demolished around 1970, followed by the terrace of cottages in January 1972. The street remained derelict for many years until the demolition of Essex Wharf and Brady Boys Club in 1990, paving the way for redevelopment.
Currently, Swanlea School (constructed in 1993-94) and Whitechapel Sports Centre occupy the north side of Durward Street, while Kempton Court, a block of flats, is located on the south side. The original board school, the only surviving building from 1888, ceased its educational function in 1915 and later became Elfin Works. After falling into disuse and facing the threat of demolition following a fire in the mid-1980s, it was renovated and converted into apartments in 1996, now known as Trinity Hall.
Durward Street has been extensively documented through photographs. Notable images include those captured by Leonard Matters in 1928, J. Connor’s atmospheric photograph from around 1970, Winston Ramsey’s depiction of the demolition of the terraced houses in 1972, and numerous high-quality colour photographs taken by Robert Clack and others during the street’s derelict state between 1986 and 1990.
