Tower Hamlets, inner borough (1991 pop. 153,500), of Greater London, SE England. Tower Hamlets was formed in 1965 by the merger of the metropolitan boroughs of Bethnal Green, Poplar, and Stepney. The southern boundary of Tower Hamlets fronts on the Thames and includes some of London's busiest docks. The borough's industries include furniture making, dressmaking, and brewing. The Tower of London and the Canary Wharf financial center are located in the borough.