The History of London

Walter Besant (1836 - 1901)

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). (Summary by Ruth Golding)

Genre(s): History, Travel & Geography

Language: English

Section Chapter Reader Time
Play 01 01 - Lessons 1 - 2: The Foundation of London (I - II) Ruth Golding
00:14:21
Play 02 02 - Lessons 3 - 4: Roman London (I - II) Ruth Golding
00:13:31
Play 03 03 - Lessons 5 - 7: After the Romans (I - III) Ruth Golding
00:20:16
Play 04 04 - Lessons 8 - 10: The First and Second Saxon Settlements, and The Anglo-Saxon Citizen Ruth Golding
00:18:57
Play 05 05 - Lessons 11 - 12: The Wall of London, and Norman London Ruth Golding
00:12:40
Play 06 06 - Lessons 13 - 14: Fitzstephen's Account of the City (I - II) Ruth Golding
00:14:01
Play 07 07 - Lessons 15 - 18: London Bridge (I - II), and The Tower of London (I - II) Ruth Golding
00:25:22
Play 08 08 - Lessons 19 - 20: The Pilgrims, and St. Bartholomew's Hospital Ruth Golding
00:13:17
Play 09 09 - Lessons 21 - 22: The Terror of Leprosy, and The Terror of Famine Ruth Golding
00:15:39
Play 10 10 - Lessons 23 - 25: St. Paul's Cathedral (I - II), and Paul's Churchyard Ruth Golding
00:21:28
Play 11 11 - Lessons 26 - 27: The Religious Houses, and Monks, Friars, and Nuns Ruth Golding
00:14:19
Play 12 12 - Lessons 28 - 29: The London Churches, and The Streets Ruth Golding
00:15:07
Play 13 13 - Lessons 30 - 32: Whittington (I - III) Ruth Golding
00:19:04
Play 14 14 - Lessons 33 - 35: Gifts and Bequests, The Palaces and Great Houses, and Amusements Ruth Golding
00:20:53
Play 15 15 - Lessons 36 - 37: Westminster Abbey, and The Court at Westminster Ruth Golding
00:13:17
Play 16 16 - Lessons 38 - 39: Justice and Punishments, and The Political Power of London Ruth Golding
00:15:06
Play 17 17 - Lessons 40 - 42: Elizabethan London (I - III) Ruth Golding
00:18:51
Play 18 18 - Lessons 43 - 45: Trade (I - III) Ruth Golding
00:21:28
Play 19 19 - Lessons 46 - 49: Plays and Pageants (I - IV) Ruth Golding
00:25:53
Play 20 20 - Lessons 50 - 51: The Terror of the Plague (I - II) Ruth Golding
00:14:31
Play 21 21 - Lessons 52 - 53: The Terror of Fire (I - II) Ruth Golding
00:13:38
Play 22 22 - Lesson 54: Rogues and Vagabonds Ruth Golding
00:07:45
Play 23 23 - Lessons 55 - 59: Under George the Second (I - V) Ruth Golding
00:33:09
Play 24 24 - Lessons 60 - 62: The Government of the City (I - III) Ruth Golding
00:17:35
Play 25 25 - Lesson 63: London Ruth Golding
00:08:36
Play 26 26 - Author's Notes on Lessons 1 - 20 Ruth Golding
00:36:03
Play 27 27 - Author's Notes on Lessons 21 - 39 Ruth Golding
00:24:48
Play 28 28 - Author's Notes on Lessons 40 - 63 Ruth Golding
00:25:46