The History of London by Walter Besant

Walter Besant was a novelist and historian, and his topographical and historical writings, ranging from prehistoric times to the nineteenth century, were probably best known through the detailed 10-volume Survey of London published after his death. This earlier single volume covers, in less depth, the whole period from prehistory until the 19th century. The book appears originally to have been written for boys, and, indeed, the chapters are called “Lessons”. However, it is a very readable history and provides a fascinating insight into both London’s past and the government of the City at the time the book was written (1894).

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Episodes

Saturday Dec 23, 2023

The History of London by Walter Besant

Episodes

11 – Lessons 26 – 27: The Religious Houses, and Monks, Friars, and Nuns

12 – Lessons 28 – 29: The London Churches, The Streets

13 – Lessons 30 – 32: Whittington (I – III)

14 – Lessons 33 – 35: Gifts and Bequests, The Palaces and Great Houses, and Amusements

15 – Lessons 36 – 37: Westminster Abbey, and The Court at Westminster

16 – Lessons 38 – 39: Justice and Punishments, and The Political Power of London

17 – Lessons 40 – 42: Elizabethan London (I – III)

18 – Lessons 43 – 45: Trade (I – III)

19 – Lessons 46 – 49: Plays and Pageants (I – IV)

20 – Lessons 50 – 51: The Terror of the Plague (I – II)