The History of London

by Walter Besant

This book was converted from its physical edition to the digital format by a community of volunteers. You may find it for free on the web. Purchase of the Kindle edition includes wireless delivery.

Genres: History, Nonfiction, London, Classics, British Literature, Historical, Cities

138 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 1894

About the author

Sir Walter Besant was a novelist and historian from London. His sister-in-law was Annie Besant. The son of a merchant, he was born in Portsea, Portsmouth, Hampshire and attended school at St Paul's, Southsea, Stockwell Grammar, London and King's College London. In 1855, he was admitted as a pensioner to Christ's College, Cambridge, where he graduated in 1859 as 18th wrangler. After a year as Mathematical Master at Rossall School, Fleetwood, Lancashire and a year at Leamington College, he spent 6 years as professor of mathematics at the Royal College, Mauritius. A breakdown in health compelled him to resign, and he returned to England and settled in London in 1867. He took the duties of Secretary to the Palestine Exploration Fund, which he held 1868-85. In 1871, he was admitted to Lincoln's Inn.

Reviews

[Simon · Rating 3 out of 5]

London by Walter Besant
Published by Chatto and Windus 1904 Fine paper
edition.

This is the next book on London that I inherited
that I've read and a fine old edition it is
written in 1892 it is Sir Walter Besants attempt
to tell the complete history if London up until
the end of George the Seconds reign in 300 pages
of rather small type.
The book is written throughout with a Huge plum
in Walter Besants mouth as he often talks about
people of the wrong sort or lower classes.
But once you get past the upper class Victorian
moralising you get a really good interesting
look at Londons development and a good look at
what has been lost and destroyed over the
centuries.
He is particuarly scathing of the Victorian
destruction of the Blackfriars area that
destroyed many ancient palaces and castles to
construct Queen Victoria Street, but this also
explains why St Andrews by the Wardrobe is so
called as it once stood besides the wardrobes of
Baynards castle where Henry the Eighth grew up
and now is replaced by the ugliest concrete
brutalist block in the city, Baynard House a
real travesty. It also explains how the building
that is now the College of Arms had a full third
of it demolished to make way for the road.
He also sorts out that the Welsh Church St
Benets is named after the patron saint of Pig
Skinners St Benet who lived and worked in the
area a long time ago.
He also puts to shame our current booze britain
reputation when he describes the debauched
behaviour of our ancestors including the
description of a Sunday Holiday in London in the
18th century which was a bender that started at
4am and went through till past midnight and
included touring much of the city much drinking
and carousing and a visit to church a pleasure
gardens crawl and all sorts of other stuff, damn
they knew how to party!
The book is a good read and I wonder how easy it
is to find this or any of the 50 or so other
books listed by him at the front it would be
possible to find these days as I think he is
mostly forgotten but was obviously a well known
name back then.

[Denise · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's hard to explain why I liked this when I've read so many other huge tomes about the subject by such well known authors. Maybe it would bore others, but Besant didn't try to write a definitive history of London. This is a relatively short work, but it focused on smaller bits of information- much that I'd never been exposed to.

I could almost feel my surroundings; why I better hadn't leave the safety of the city walls, and if I did, what I'd find. I read mention of a festival (Eve of St. John the Baptist's March of the Watch)that used to take place in London hundreds of years ago- who it comprised, what they were doing, what the on-lookers were doing. I learned that earlier in its history, London was sparkly and colorful with the Lords and their entourage in their splendid garments, only later to become what most of us actually envisioned it to be- dingy, grey, ragged. It wasn't until the Lords vacated that it lost its showy atmosphere.

He talks of all things practical: trade, vagabonds, amusements, religious houses/hospitals, and my area of special interest- the government of the City. There is also some philosophy to be had: "Let us never destroy what has been useful: let us, on the other hand, preserve it, altered to meet changed circumstances." and "Trust that the further natural growth of the old tree -still vigorous- will be safer for us than to cut it down and plant a sapling, which may prove a poison tree." (Should I write my elected officials and offer them some sound advice?)

The first thing I do when reading a history book is to look at the date it was written. To me, that is one of the most important things to bear in mind. It gives the book perspective. This was written in 1892, recent compared to Bede, and for me that was what made it feel so good. The author was our missing link. Modern enough that we can grasp where he is, but still only a few hundred years away from the thick of the action. It would be like writing of the Victorian age now. Not unimaginable, and plenty of resources still around to be accurate if we want to be. I think he did a brilliant job, is it obvious?

[Janelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of the best historical non fiction books I've read. Written in the late 1800's it is comprised of 63 lessons, so presumably it was intended for students. The writing is clear and very readable, although some prior knowledge of English history would be helpful.
Although it's premise is the history of London, it does not confine itself to mere facts about that one city, but explores what life was like for the citizens of London across its long history, and the links between historical events, culture and the experiences of Londoners and wider society. Although it's not a long book, and therefore many details are absent, it still seemed quite comprehensive. I learnt more about life in the Dark and Middle Ages in this book than I have anywhere else. It was also very interesting to read about these times from a Victorian perspective, as well as the author's analysis of his own times.
Until I read the final chapter I planned to give this book four stars. However, the final chapter brought it over the line to five. In this chapter the author draws together the various themes and events together to make two important points. First that we must remember and value the lessons of the past. Second, that we must treasure the many freedoms we experience, such as the right to vote, free speech and a safe and regulated society.
I would recommend this to those interested in the history of the western world.
I listened to the Librivox audiobook, which had a fantastic narrator.

[Laura · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is quaint and in places can be disjointed and rambling. However the chapter on The Tower of London and St Barts hospital were interesting. This is a book that reflect academic writings from its time and although not modern has some interesting facts

[Serge Gershkovich · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting to see how history shaped right under my feet.

[Janet Roger · Rating 4 out of 5]

Does this ring any bells?

… the decay of the Roman power made it necessary to withdraw the legions from the outlying and distant portions of the Empire. Britain had to be abandoned. It was as if England were to give up Hong Kong and Singapore and the West Indies because she could no longer spare the ships and regiments to defend them. The nation which abandons her possessions is not far from downfall.

It should do. Because in 1942, almost half a century after Besant wrote these words, Britain, with resources all stretched to the limit in a European war, had no choice other than to abandon Hong Kong and Singapore to enemy Japanese troops. And in doing so, set in motion the second half of the author’s remarkable conclusion.

But was it remarkable? Walter Besant was not only historically well informed, he was a top-class mathematician who could figure the odds better than most. And maybe more people should have taken note when he added:

Remember, when you listen to those who advocate abandonment of our colonies, the example of Rome.

But with World War 2 on the doorstep, anyone who might have been reading this admirable overview of the history of London, can’t have been listening.

Read it for a masterly sweep of London’s history, the real stories behind it’s many myths and legends and a look through Besant’s Victorian eyes at a city he clearly loved.

[Muaz Jalil · Rating 4 out of 5]

Besant was famous during his time - wrote Revolt of Men. Now very much out fashion and out of print. This book however is enjoyable to read and provides a good short history of London, a city I absolutely love.

It was apparently called Augusta during Roman times but after 410 AD fell in to ruin and was deserted. Discusses the old London bridge with shops and houses. How Edward Osborne saved the daughter of his master and then grew up to marry her and become Lord Mayor. Jane grey and how she was executed at the tower. Pilgrimage as the vacation of its time 10/15 century. The emergence of rudimentary hospital, where patients are placed together, stuffy rooms , not sanitary. The noble beginning of Dick Whittington rather than the myth, also talks about how his business apparently started by the sale of a cat (even author does not believe it). Talks about the great fire and the plague years (very much like Covid). Unfortunately Does not discuss the rise of police force - the bow street runners. Did not know Charing Cross is a mispronunciation of Chere Reine, dear queen Eleanor ( Edward 1). Building, fashion, theater every topic is covered summarily. Discusses how commerce and trade was central to London, the resilience of its citizen etc. Good book. Provides a thorough index and glossary.

[Quinten · Rating 4 out of 5]

I decided to read this book before my trip to London. It was a fine choice I must say. Sir Walter Besant gives a great account of the city from its humble beginnings to the greatness of the victorian era. This book will teach you the origins of many old buildings and the many transitions these buildings had to suffer. You will also learn many facts about the different people occupying London throughout the years. My walk through London became more exciting after reading this book. Having a base knowledge about a city when walking through it will make a huge difference to your experience. Sir Walter Besant also closes the book with a great lesson. When walking about your city one should know its history and not take the liberties you have for granted. Many ancestors before us have suffered to let these liberties come into existence. So when someone knows the past, he will at the same time have a better understanding of the present.

[Mary Havens · Rating 3 out of 5]

This Librivox recording was recommended to me by my husband.
The narrator was very pleasant and I likely would not have listened to this if it had not been recommended.
It was interesting but I very passively listened. Lots of dates, peoples, times. The most interesting parts, to me, were the plague ones because: pandemic. I thought it was incredible that London burned down and the plagues stopped. Ew.
I have a tendency to romanticize London but it's just a town (albeit with an incredible history) that's been shaped and manipulated.
I think I would have paid more attention if I lived there or visited frequently (I recently read a book about Galveston and was enthralled!) but having only been there once, it was easy for me to passively listen and have everything run together.
I appreciated the ending because the author encouraged us to get out there and VOTE! And this book was written in 1893 #nothingschanged

[Cidney · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an incredible book. Took a long time to read but it was written in I think it was 1898 and it was very informative. There were some memorable lines summed up at the end of the book by Besant:

"Never, if you can help it, suffer an old monument to be pulled down and destroyed ... You will be better citizens of the present for knowing about the citizens of the past".

"Your vote is an inheritance and a trust".

"Be very jealous of the man you put into power: learn to distinguish the man who wants place from the man who wants justice".

Memorable indeed!

[Cara Robson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good overview of London history

Gives you a little taste of the history of London., well written, very enjoyable read, leaves you wanting to delve further into the history of London.

[Aymn Zyada · Rating 3 out of 5]

The big problem is that, the book is very old, It was published in 1904. However, I enjoyed it alot

[Adz · Rating 3 out of 5]

Old style history, however, written in fairly conversational style for its time.

[Carol Tilley · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 - bedtime listening

[Ansie de Swardt · Rating 4 out of 5]

Riveting in its detail, insight, surprising twists and turns. Loved it.

[Simon · Rating 4 out of 5]

London by Walter Besant
Published by Chatto and Windus 1904 Fine paper
edition.

This is the next book on London that I inherited
that I've read and a fine old edition it is
written in 1892 it is Sir Walter Besants attempt
to tell the complete history if London up until
the end of George the Seconds reign in 300 pages
of rather small type.
The book is written throughout with a Huge plum
in Walter Besants mouth as he often talks about
people of the wrong sort or lower classes.
But once you get past the upper class Victorian
moralising you get a really good interesting
look at Londons development and a good look at
what has been lost and destroyed over the
centuries.
He is particuarly scathing of the Victorian
destruction of the Blackfriars area that
destroyed many ancient palaces and castles to
construct Queen Victoria Street, but this also
explains why St Andrews by the Wardrobe is so
called as it once stood besides the wardrobes of
Baynards castle where Henry the Eighth grew up
and now is replaced by the ugliest concrete
brutalist block in the city, Baynard House a
real travesty. It also explains how the building
that is now the College of Arms had a full third
of it demolished to make way for the road.
He also sorts out that the Welsh Church St
Benets is named after the patron saint of Pig
Skinners St Benet who lived and worked in the
area a long time ago.
He also puts to shame our current booze britain
reputation when he describes the debauched
behaviour of our ancestors including the
description of a Sunday Holiday in London in the
18th century which was a bender that started at
4am and went through till past midnight and
included touring much of the city much drinking
and carousing and a visit to church a pleasure
gardens crawl and all sorts of other stuff, damn
they knew how to party!
The book is a good read and I wonder how easy it
is to find this or any of the 50 or so other
books listed by him at the front it would be
possible to find these days as I think he is
mostly forgotten but was obviously a well known
name back then.

[Val · Rating 4 out of 5]

A short book could not give the definitive history of a great city in any detail, so the author has selected those parts he is most interested in to expand upon. He covers the city from foundation to the late nineteenth century (when he wrote his book), with particular emphasis on trade, governance and the lives of citizens and traders who have formed the social bedrock of the city through millennia.
It is clear, concise and very readable. It is also involving; sometimes he addresses the reader as if he might get a reply. I'm not sure whether this was written with children in mind or semi-educated adults, but it is suitable for both. (Highly educated adults, especially those who have lived in London, might already know too much of the information contained in this history to find it interesting.)
The author's opinions also crop up from time to time and some of them are naive, dated or prejudiced. The book is still worth reading, but we do need to be aware of when it was written when we read it.

[Gail Oare · Rating 4 out of 5]

A little awkwardly written but chock full of detail about the rise of London its life prior to the 20th century. The author's opinions and comments are a window into his later 18th century world. His Victorian upbringing comes through by what topics he DOESN'T cover. Overall, very insightful.

[Tom Cook · Rating 2 out of 5]

Pretty dry and not very interesting...

[Karoly Szilagyi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Librivox audiobook version, read by the wonderful Ruth Golding

[Raven · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book. Very detailed description of buildings, informative back stories.

[Tammi Owens]

FALSE

[Galicius · Rating 3 out of 5]

Old-Time London section goes back to Saxon pre-history of East London.