This fascinating series on BBC has traced the social and planning history of London's streets from Charles Booth's poverty maps to the present day.  Next Wednesday 11th July at 9pm on BBC2 the programme features Arnold Circus, just outside Hackney, but well known in the area.

"The episode features Arnold Circus, in the east end and the story of a Victorian social experiment that changed Britain. Arnold Circus is home to the first council estate which opened in 1896. The planning of the estate, from its lack of pubs to the pattern of the brickwork, was deliberate in order to make its residents respectable, as previously the land had played host to a notorious crime-ridden slum.

Featuring compelling accounts from residents both past and present, this is the story of how Arnold Circus made the difficult journey from feared underclass to a self-respecting community; of how it became and still is a haven in heart of the City."

http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b01kvkw6

Previous episodes including those on Caledonian Road, Deptford High Street, and Camberwell Grove still available on BBC iPlayer.