Portrait of a Publican: Charlie Martin of the Blind Beggar

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Charles Martin is not a name that’s recognised in Whitechapel these days but, at his retirement after 31 years as landlord of the Blind Beggar, a local newspaper reported: “It would indeed be difficult to find in the whole of East London a better known or more respected man than Mr Martin” (Eastern Post, 8 Sept 1923). As a prominent publican, property developer, philanthropist and public servant, he was a pillar of the East End.

The re-build date is still visible in the gable: 1894

Eastern Post, 13 May 1893

Eastern Post, 21 Mar 1896

Charles Martin Mansions: ghost signage on Ashfield Street