of Tower Hamlets rose from 309,012 in 1841 to 509,012 in 1901. The rest of the "East End", which covers a broader area than the Tower Hamlets footprint, experienced similar levels of exponential population growth. The East End was facing a perfect storm for raised tensions and, as such, it attracted social reformers and elements that sought to encourage support for more radical ideologies. Attracting large crowds, especially on Wednesday and Sunday afternoons, the Flats provided a place for people to speak publicly and became a focal point for anarchists and communists to meet alongside other people who were enjoying the open space. It was suggested that authorities became increasingly concerned with the emergence of increasingly extreme political groups and movements within the east end and that action was taken to disrupt their activities. As such, Forest Keepers started to enforce by-laws preventing such public speaking and organised meetings that had previously been tolerated. Whilst trying to appear impartial, Christian groups that also met on the Flats now found themselves being subject to the attention of Forest Keepers and this led to an unusual alliance between Christians and communists, who both felt persecuted. Following months of action by the Forest Keepers, including prosecutions, tensions came to a head when a "howling mob" (Chelmsford Chronicle, 25 September 1891) marched to the Flats. Forest Keepers and mounted police were deployed and Forest Keepers arrested the ring leaders leading to their imprisonment. Following this, tensions and hostilities started to lessen over the following months. It still remains an offence under by-law 40 to either engage in public speaking or to preach within Epping Forest without the permission of the Conservators. See also List of law enforcement agencies in the United Kingdom Law enforcement in the United Kingdom Footnotes References External links City of London: Open Spaces Map of Epping Forest A Keeper's Tale by Fred J Speakman describes the life of forest keeper Sidney Butt (1962)George Bell & Sons Epping Forest Act 1878 Epping Forest By Laws Keepers London Borough of Newham Police forces of England Park police forces of London Park police forces of the United Kingdom