The Levy Bros. Jewish bakery shop in Whitechapel

Levy Brothers Jewish bakery was located at 31 Middlesex Street in Whitechapel. The shop sign indicates that the business was established in 1710, sold wholesale and retail foods and was a Passover cake baker. During the festival of Passover Jews traditionally eat matzo instead of ordinary bread and eat only cakes made with matzo meal instead of flour. There are stacks of beigels and flat breads in the bakery window.

By 1900, the Jewish population of London was estimated at over 135,000, most of whom lived within 2 square miles of the East End. Businesses specialising in Jewish food and drink were plentiful in Whitechapel. This photo was taken by John Galt, a missionary with the London City Mission, who was committed to reducing poverty in the area.