Portsoken

Portsoken is one of the 25 wards of the City of London. It is the easternmost ward, bordering Tower Hamlets, and is named for the "portsoken," or "gate soke," signifying the area outside one of the gates of the city of London, specifically the eastern Aldgate. "Soke" refers to a franchise or liberty, meaning this area was a liberty or franchise outside of the immediate control of the city authorities.

Historically, Portsoken was a narrow strip of land located between the city wall and Whitechapel. Its boundaries have shifted over time, reflecting the expansion and development of London. The ward is traditionally associated with the trades and activities that naturally sprung up just outside the city's main entry point.

Today, Portsoken is a relatively small ward in terms of area and population. It is primarily a commercial district, hosting modern office buildings and businesses, rather than residential areas. It has seen significant redevelopment and modernization in recent years, reflecting its location within the heart of London's financial district. The ward elects an Alderman and Common Councilmen to the City of London Corporation, the governing body of the City. The ward boundaries are reviewed periodically.

The origins of the name, the historical role as a gateway to the city, and its present-day commercial significance make Portsoken a historically and economically important part of the City of London.