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Cruickshank’s London: A Portrait of a City in 20 Walks
‘ The perfect guide to the hidden history of London’s streets. ’ BBC History Magazine
London. City of ancient churches and bustling markets, palatial townhouses and modest terraces, two millennia of expansion, commerce, and street life. This is its story.
In Cruickshank’s London , Britain’s favorite architectural historian offers a tour through thirteen districts that made London into London. From the mysterious Anglo-Saxon roots of Hampstead Heath, via Christopher Wren’s magisterial City churches, to the industrial bustle of Victorian Bermondsey, each of his walks explores a crucial site in our capital’s history – and reveals how it forged the modern capital.
Jumping between East Ham in the east and Kew in the west, Dan Cruickshank explores both world-famous buildings (the Tower of London and St Pancras Station) and oft-overlooked local landmarks (Dagenham Civic Centre and Kensal Green Cemetery). His tales reveal not only the most important moments in London’s history, but also the forgotten characters who witnessed the Huguenot weavers who transformed Spitalfields into a vibrant enclave of Georgian London, the visionary architects behind the likes of Somerset House and the Houses of Parliament, and the streetwalkers who once thronged London’s great sexual highway. Along the way, he peppers the book with beautiful photographs, historical sketches, and handy maps, so you can immediately follow in his footsteps.
Above all, Cruickshank calls on you to explore London. Every street in the city contains a story. This book invites you to hear them.
London. City of ancient churches and bustling markets, palatial townhouses and modest terraces, two millennia of expansion, commerce, and street life. This is its story.
In Cruickshank’s London , Britain’s favorite architectural historian offers a tour through thirteen districts that made London into London. From the mysterious Anglo-Saxon roots of Hampstead Heath, via Christopher Wren’s magisterial City churches, to the industrial bustle of Victorian Bermondsey, each of his walks explores a crucial site in our capital’s history – and reveals how it forged the modern capital.
Jumping between East Ham in the east and Kew in the west, Dan Cruickshank explores both world-famous buildings (the Tower of London and St Pancras Station) and oft-overlooked local landmarks (Dagenham Civic Centre and Kensal Green Cemetery). His tales reveal not only the most important moments in London’s history, but also the forgotten characters who witnessed the Huguenot weavers who transformed Spitalfields into a vibrant enclave of Georgian London, the visionary architects behind the likes of Somerset House and the Houses of Parliament, and the streetwalkers who once thronged London’s great sexual highway. Along the way, he peppers the book with beautiful photographs, historical sketches, and handy maps, so you can immediately follow in his footsteps.
Above all, Cruickshank calls on you to explore London. Every street in the city contains a story. This book invites you to hear them.
512 pages, Paperback
Published December 1, 2021
22 people are currently reading
129 people want to read
About the author
Dan Cruickshank
40 books25 followersDan Cruickshank (1949 - ) is a British art historian and BBC television presenter, with a special interest in the history of architecture.
He holds a BA in Art, Design and Architecture and was formerly a Visiting Professor in the Department of Architecture at the University of Sheffield and a member of the London faculty of the University of Delaware. He is an Honorary Fellow of the Royal Institute of British Architects, a member of the Executive Committee of the Georgian Group and on the Architectural Panel of the National Trust.
He holds a BA in Art, Design and Architecture and was formerly a Visiting Professor in the Department of Architecture at the University of Sheffield and a member of the London faculty of the University of Delaware. He is an Honorary Fellow of the Royal Institute of British Architects, a member of the Executive Committee of the Georgian Group and on the Architectural Panel of the National Trust.
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Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews
November 6, 2023
Not what I expected or wanted. If it's a book about walks around a city than I expect pictures (in color) maps (in color) historical context but also what is located there now. Certainly not a book you could carry around with you.
May 2, 2023
Wasn't expecting such a weighty time but enjoyed it *** 13 London walks but a very close look at the architecture on the walks,, I will certainly be on the look out next time I go up to the smoke ,,, discover for yourself !!!
January 7, 2022
Dan Cruickshank is best known for his tv programmes, mainly around architecture. The enthusiasm that typifies his tv work is evident here too.
He clearly likes loves London , he lives there and has been involved in various campaigns to protect it’s architectural heritage.
The best thing I can say about this book, and the 13 walks he writes about, is that it makes you want to go and see these places for yourself. I lived in London for 7 years and I worked there for all but 10 years of my working life, and while a lot of the places I know, I clearly don’t it as well as I thought.
A really good, thought provoking book.
He clearly likes loves London , he lives there and has been involved in various campaigns to protect it’s architectural heritage.
The best thing I can say about this book, and the 13 walks he writes about, is that it makes you want to go and see these places for yourself. I lived in London for 7 years and I worked there for all but 10 years of my working life, and while a lot of the places I know, I clearly don’t it as well as I thought.
A really good, thought provoking book.
November 26, 2022
I love this book, I learnt lots about the city I live in...
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews