A full colour map of London in 1520 shows its churches, monasteries, legal inns, guild halls, and private houses, with the Tower of London, St Paul's Cathedral, and London Bridge prominent. It incorporates changes to the map and has been the Historic Towns Trust's best seller since publication.

Format: Sheet map, folded
Length: 2 pages
Publication date: 29 September 2022
Publisher: The Historic Towns Trust

A Full Colour Map Showing London in About 1520

London in about 1520 was a bustling city with many churches, monasteries, legal inns, guild halls, and substantial private houses. The city was largely contained within its medieval walls and ditches, but it also had signs of spilling out into the great metropolis it was destined to be. This is a second edition of a map first published in 2018, incorporating changes to the map as new information has become available. The map has been the Historic Towns Trust's number one best seller since publication and has been very well received. The new edition has a revised cover and illustrations.

The Tower of London, St Paul's Cathedral, and London Bridge

The Tower of London, St Paul's Cathedral, and London Bridge are the three most prominent landmarks in London. The Tower of London is located in the east, St Paul's Cathedral in the west, and London Bridge in the south. These landmarks dominate the city's skyline and are a testament to its rich history and culture. The Tower of London was a royal palace and fortress, while St Paul's Cathedral is a famous church and landmark. London Bridge is a historic bridge that spans the River Thames and connects the city's north and south banks.

The Medieval Walls and Ditches

The medieval walls and ditches of London were a significant part of the city's defense system. They were built to protect the city from attacks by enemies and to control the flow of traffic. The walls were made of stone and were up to 10 feet thick in some places. The ditches were also deep and wide, making it difficult for enemies to enter the city. However, the walls and ditches were not enough to prevent the Great Fire of London in 1666, which destroyed much of the city. Despite the destruction, the medieval walls and ditches have survived and can still be discovered in some areas of the city.

The Great Fire of London

The Great Fire of London in 1666 was a devastating event that destroyed much of the city. The fire started in a bakery in the city's east end and quickly spread throughout the city. The fire destroyed over 13,000 buildings, including many churches, monasteries, legal inns, guild halls, and substantial private houses. The fire also caused widespread damage to the city's infrastructure, including the water supply, sewer system, and transportation system. The fire was eventually extinguished by a combination of rain and wind, but the damage was so severe that it took years for the city to recover. Despite the destruction, the Great Fire of London has had a significant impact on the city's architecture and culture. Many of the buildings that were destroyed by the fire were rebuilt in a more modern style, and the city's architecture has become more diverse and eclectic.

The Streets and Alleys That Survived the Great Fire

Despite the destruction caused by the Great Fire of London, many of the streets and alleys that survived the fire have survived and can still be discovered. These streets and alleys are a testament to the resilience of the city's residents and the importance of its historic architecture. Many of these streets and alleys are narrow and winding, and they are lined with historic buildings and landmarks. Some of the most notable streets and alleys in London include Fleet Street, which is known for its legal inns and publishing houses, and Covent Garden, which is known for its market and theater.

Conclusion

London in about 1520 was a bustling city with many churches, monasteries, legal inns, guild halls, and substantial private houses. The city was largely contained within its medieval walls and ditches, but it also had signs of spilling out into the great metropolis it was destined to be. The Tower of London, St Paul's Cathedral, and London Bridge are the three most prominent landmarks in London, and the medieval walls and ditches of London were a significant part of the city's defense system. The Great Fire of London in 1666 was a devastating event that destroyed much of the city, but many of the streets and alleys that survived the fire have survived and can still be discovered. These streets and alleys are a testament to the resilience of the city's residents and the importance of its historic architecture.

Weight: 144g
Dimension: 134 x 227 x 51 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781838071943
Edition number: Revised ed