The Flower of All Cities: The History of London from Earliest Times to the Great Fire

The history of London up to 1666 is a story of Romans, Saxons, Vikings, Normans, Plantagenets, Tudors, and Stuarts, featuring many famous figures in British history. It is a tale of 'great matter and 'great reckoning, where the nation was shaped, fortunes made and squandered, lives transformed, advanced, and lost.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 288 pages
Publication date: 15 August 2022
Publisher: Amberley Publishing

The history of London, spanning from its ancient origins to 1666, is a captivating tale of Romans, Saxons, Vikings, Normans, Plantagenets, Tudors, and Stuarts. This city, which began as a modest settlement, blossomed into a vibrant and prosperous metropolis, earning the title of "the flower of all cities." However, the centuries of construction and the lives within it were tragically destroyed by the devastating Great Fire. This period witnessed the rise of numerous renowned figures in British history, including Queen Boudicca, King Alfred, Thomas Becket, Wat Tyler, Dick Whittington, Thomas More, Thomas Cromwell, and Guy Fawkes. Additionally, figures such as Geoffrey Chaucer, Francis Bacon, Christopher Marlowe, William Shakespeare, John Donne, Inigo Jones, Thomas Middleton, John Milton, Christopher Wren, Aphra Behn, and Samuel Pepys left their mark on this era. This historical narrative is a testament to the significant events and transformations that shaped the nation, resulting in both triumphs and setbacks. By delving into the story of early London, we can uncover a bustling, picturesque, and perilous city that has been lost to time. However, through meticulous analysis of archaeological, pictorial, and written records, we have the opportunity to bring it back to life, shedding light on its rich heritage and significance.

Weight: 238g
Dimension: 130 x 198 x 24 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781398112414