an area to the east of the City of London, from the Tower of London along the north bank of the River Thames . It contains most of the old docks, where many of the local people used to work. The people living in the East End were mostly poor but well known for their friendly and lively nature. With recent new housing developments, the character of the area has completely changed.
See also cockney , Docklands . Compare West End .
► East Ender n
a person living in the East End.