London and the Seventeenth Century: The Making of the World's Greatest City

by Margarette Lincoln

The first comprehensive history of seventeenth-century London, told through the lives of those who experienced it
 
“Lively and arresting. . . . [Lincoln] is as confident in handling the royal ceremonials of political transition . . . as she is with London's thriving coffee-house culture, and its turbulent maritime community.”—Ian W. Archer, Times Literary Supplement
 
“Lincoln has a curator’s gift for selecting all the right details for a thoroughly absorbing account.”—Tony Barber, Financial Times , “Best Books of 2021: History”
 
The Gunpowder Plot, the Civil Wars, Charles I’s execution, the Plague, the Great Fire, the Restoration, and then the Glorious Revolution: the seventeenth century was one of the most momentous times in the history of Britain, and Londoners took center stage.
 
In this fascinating account, Margarette Lincoln charts the impact of national events on an ever-growing citizenry with its love of pageantry, spectacle, and enterprise. Lincoln looks at how religious, political, and financial tensions were fomented by commercial ambition, expansion, and hardship. In addition to events at court and parliament, she evokes the remarkable figures of the period, including Shakespeare, Bacon, Pepys, and Newton, and draws on diaries, letters, and wills to trace the untold stories of ordinary Londoners. Through their eyes, we see how the nation emerged from a turbulent century poised to become a great maritime power with London at its heart—the greatest city of its time.

Genres: History, Nonfiction, London, 17th Century, British Literature, Cities, European History

392 pages, Paperback

First published February 1, 2021

About the author

Margarette Lincoln was director of research and collections and, from 2001, deputy director of the National Maritime Museum, Greenwich. She is now a visiting fellow at Goldsmiths, University of London.

Reviews

[Beata · Rating 4 out of 5]

Being interested in the period, I was delighted to have been offered the book on the city which in the 17th century saw revolution, plague and destructive fire, and yet managed to survive and grew stronger thanks to its inhabitants and the river.
While living in London for some time, I spent many weekends exploring the City and Ms Lincoln's book brought memories back.
Ms Lincoln's writing is clear and her explanations excellent, and I found the information on the development of the City and the commerce thoughout the 17th century especially interesting. At times there was too much detail regarding the Civil War, but probably I got tired of it as I do not have extensive knowledge of the times without the monach. Still, I never got tired of London, to quote one famous historic figure.
Definitely recommendable to history buffs!
*Many thanks to Margarette Lincoln, Yale Univesity Press, and NetGalley for arc in exchange for my honest review.*

[Lady Clementina ffinch-ffarowmore · Rating 5 out of 5]

My thanks to NetGalley and Yale University Press for a review copy of this excellent telling of the story of London in the 1600s.

London in the seventeenth century was the London of Shakespeare and Francis Bacon, of diarists John Evelyn and Samuel Pepys, of Guy Fawkes and the gunpowder plot, of the popular rebellion against Charles I and the brief period England was without a monarchy, of the great restoration, the ‘Glorious Revolution’, and much more. Margarette Lincoln paints a rich picture of this bustling city—its sights, sounds, and smells (those were not very pleasant). The book opens with the funeral of Elizabeth I—the end of the Tudor era and the Stuarts taking over and continues till the reign of William and Mary (in fact until about Mary’s death, which was about the end of the century). In the various chapters, Lincoln takes us through different aspects of the city’s life—apprentices (who could be very rowdy) to the livery companies’ contributions and pageantry, trade and ship building and the growth of the country’s navy, theatre and fashions, the country’s first coffee houses and newspapers, healthcare and remedies (including ‘powdered mummies’), and the city’s civic identity (its independence and autonomy were prized by its people).

The politics of the day is of course an important theme explored as it was a period that saw so many developments including the monarchy being replaced, in fact, twice. But the book is concerned not only with Monarchs and the well to do, but also the common people—merchants and shipbuilders, physicians and apothecaries, masters and apprentices, and also the poor. In fact, even in its discussion of politics, we see the participation of common people, including women who were very active participants, surprisingly so considering the time period and their limited ‘rights’. (In fact even within the limitations of the period, women were in charge of businesses and those within household roles too, had many interests.)

Besides political turmoil, the period had its share of other challenges, notably war (or rather wars for there were many, from those undertaken by the monarch to civil war), the plague and the great fire which caused unforeseen damage and destruction. Many had to struggle for survival, work at times was hard to come by, and exceptionally high taxes at various times added to existing pressures.

But alongside hardships, there was also theatre, pageantry, music and plenty of discussion—the coffee houses provided the platform. There was also trade and new opportunities, attractions like menageries, newspapers being introduced. The Royal Society was established in this period encouraging discovery and curiosity. Many foreigners came into the city, including importantly the Huguenots who brought with them many talents like taffeta and lace work as also weapon-making, dance, and military-schools, adding to the city’s culture and economy. This was indeed a rich century.

I found the book to be a really interesting, entertaining and informative read. While I knew some of the history of the period, there was much that I didn’t know (especially may be the flow of events). I liked that the book gave us a fairly detailed look into various facets of everyday life (from things like trade to fashions, furniture, architecture and household activities and planning). I had no idea that coffee houses dated back quite so far or what their precise contributions were to everyday life or that women were quite as active participants in politics and trade, or even of the literacy levels of the period which were much higher than I’d thought.

What stood out to me the most I think was how so little has changed despite so much having changed. London of the seventeenth century saw much of what we are seeing today—popular protest against the government/monarch, quarantine, fake news, and even bioweapons of a sort (well, at least one incident in any case). English goods being placed under embargo in French ports and not being allowed into the country reminded me of the picture of trucks waiting to be let across on the news just a few months ago. What surprised me most was that ‘fat shaming’ of a sort wasn’t unheard of, with poor Mary II herself being a target of comments on her bulk.

I liked the fact that the author gives a peek into so many different facets of life through the various chapters. She tells the story as it was giving us a balanced picture (like the good and the bad in the coffee houses) but leaves us to make our judgments ourselves. I also liked that her account was peppered with extracts from not only diarists like Pepys and Evelyn but others as well—letters from traders and commoners, for instance. And I loved that she retained the original spelling. While I liked the arrangement of the chapters by theme, in some places I felt I wasn’t able to keep track of the chronology of developments through broadly the book is arranged chronologically.

I thoroughly enjoyed this one and recommend it to anyone who enjoys reading history, and English history in particular.

This review is also on my blog: https://potpourri2015.wordpress.com/2...

[Janelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

An excellent overview of London during this fascinating century. The author balanced good coverage of all the major political events from the gunpowder plot, civil war, reformation and the glorious revolution and more, with a lot of detail about life in the city. Work, travel, rebuilding, immigration, religion, disease, coffee houses, leisure, science, every corner of life is touched on. Informative and entertaining, the book was well written and an easy read.

[Christina Frøkjær · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was given this book on Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
As a non-historian, but an interested layperson I loved to delve into the making of the metropolis London is, and have been for ages.

The book covers the entire century from the death of Queen Elisabeth I to the revolution.
What I liked the most, was that the focus wasn't only on the nobility in the castles, but also had an interest in normal people, those who made the city.

In this fascinating account, Margarette Lincoln charts the impact of national events on an ever-growing citizenry with its love of pageantry, spectacle, and enterprise. Lincoln looks at how religious, political, and financial tensions were fomented by commercial ambition, expansion, and hardship. In addition to events at court and parliament, she evokes the remarkable figures of the period, including Shakespeare, Bacon, Pepys, and Newton, and draws on diaries, letters, and wills to trace the untold stories of ordinary Londoners. Through their eyes, we see how the nation emerged from a turbulent century poised to become a great maritime power with London at its heart—the greatest city of its time.

[Nicki Markus · Rating 4 out of 5]

London and the 17th Century was an interesting and informative read overall. There were some chapters that felt a little dry, but this may be partly because those were the ones in which I already knew most, if not all, of the material from previous reading and research. I particularly enjoyed the sections on things like furniture and changing fashions--the details of everyday life, rather than the political situation--as I had not come across so much detail on those aspects in previous books. Generally, though, the information was well presented and the prose highly readable, with a good balance between giving enough of a description without getting bogged down in dull facts. Recommended to those interested in learning more about England (and particularly London) during the 17th century.

I received this book as a free eBook ARC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

[Poptart19 (the name’s ren) · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 stars

A rich portrayal of a city—the people, politics, crime, trade, climate, urban development, religion, & more—in a period of great change. I learned a lot, & thoroughly enjoyed reading the narrative.

[What I liked:]

•Lots of details & factual information, but this is told in a narrative style that’s not dry or boring.

•In a sense this book covers a broad topic: a full century of history, exploring complex subjects including politics, civil war, trade, urban development, religious conflict, and more. Yet the narrative didn’t feel unfocused or rambling. The writer wove the topics together, connecting them & showing how they influenced one another to shape the city,

•This was a very interesting time in history, a period of rapid change, the outcomes of which (politically, religiously, economically) shaped later centuries of British history & influenced international trade & relations, as well as the history of British colonies around the world.


[What I didn’t like as much:]

•The narrative seems a bit biased towards Cromwell & against the monarch. I mean, fair criticisms against the monarchy & the way it treated London citizens. Yet I’m just not a Cromwell fan either, so seeing him in a sympathetic light made me a bit skeptical. I am, of course, biased here. It’s just my own inexpert opinion that both Cromwell & the monarchy equally sucked.

[I received an ARC ebook copy from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review. Thank you for the book!]

[Katie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thanks to Netgalley and Yale University Press for a copy in exchange for a fair and honest review

Some history books focus on one person or one event. This is one of those that focuses on an atmosphere. London and the Seventeenth Century gives a view of all the moving gears of 17th century London. From the mundane details of trade and housekeeping to the more dramatic history of civil wars, every minute and great force shifts and moves London in its own way. Lincoln did an excellent job of making this dynamic evolution clear throughout the book. I didn't come away from the book knowing everything about the English navy or weavers' trade, but I did learn how these shaped 17th-century London.

As many history books chock-full of details, it gets dry, but paying attention did offer some laughs (Samuel Pepys, anyone?) and push interest in further research (conwoman Mary Carleton). The details should be treasure to anyone writing historical fiction set in this period.

I'd recommend London and the Seventeenth Century to anyone who enjoys detailed history, whether they want to write historical fiction, or if they simply want to better understand the the shifting London of this era.

[Ocean G · Rating 4 out of 5]

An excellent book that delivers exactly what is promised. Moreover, despite being a pretty big book, it is jam-packed with information. I particularly liked the story about coffee shop and how it affected news being circulated, as well as how the King Charles debacle came to be (maybe British people learn this in school, but much of it was unknown to me). Also, they shipped 400 prostitutes to Barbados? Did they really think that would end prostitution?



https://4201mass.blogspot.com/

[Jean-Luc · Rating 5 out of 5]

An absolute must for anyone interested by the history of London during the tumultuous 17th century. From the city growth & the rise of its business classes, this book is a very detailed biography of a metropolis in full expansion and the many calamities it had to overcome in order to become one of the greatest capitals of Europe. From the political upheavals of the Civil War, the Restoration & the Glorious Revolution to the devastating flames of the Great Fire and the murderous claws of the Bubonic plague, Margarette Lincoln takes us on a fabulous journey through the tenacious resilience of a city full of life & determination when facing adversity and destruction. Packed full with cultural, historical & social details, this "urban biography" is a definitive winner! Bravo!

[John Isles · Rating 4 out of 5]

My birth city in the century of two of my favorite authors, Shakespeare and Samuel Pepys. I had to read the book, and yet I wish it had more to tell about life in London, and less about national politics of the time, much of which was already familiar to me.

[Thea · Rating 5 out of 5]

Why yes, it did take me several months to read this book. But it was excellent! Dr. Lincoln's writing style was both erudite and accessible, scholarly without being too fussy. The premise of the book was intriguing. Generally speaking, I don't think a century inherently embodies a zeitgeist as much as we might want imagine it to. Sure, I think we can clearly see that the 21st century started pretty close to the beginning of the numerical century, with the 9/11 attack. But there's also an argument to say that the 20th century started with the outbreak of the First World War in 1914. I digress, but I think framing the history of London in the context of the 17th century was interesting, not because there is a sense of containment in that century, but the very opposite. Starting off with the death of Elizabeth I and ending somewhere toward the end of William and Mary's joint reign (after Mary's death but before William's in 1702), the century shows the end of Medieval/Renaissance and the true Early Modern in England. And it's fascinating to see how London grew and also the industry of England was forged in that century, despite myriad crises of famine, fire, and revolution.

With that in mind, "London" as a central theme was a bit rockier. Dr. Lincoln spends a lot of time explaining how London was a political force that shaped the royal and Commonwealth politics, but I found that a bit harder to see without the greater context of those conflicts outside the city. Perhaps that's a failing on my part, rather than Dr. Lincoln's, but I'm not that casual of a student of British history. It was definitely a history of the economic and urban development of London, but the political one vis-à-vis was a bit softer to me.

I also appreciated a few references here and there to the history of people of color in England, queer history, and also scientific history. The latter is not particularly hard to find, I just love any reference to the history of scientific discovery. The former two, however, are always a treat because anything that elucidates that European history is not monolithically white and straight is a win in my book.

Overall, excellent book and hoo boy it shouldn't have taken me that long.

[Vintagebooklvr · Rating 4 out of 5]

Plague! War! Fire! Revolution! Sounds like signs of the apocalypse. No, this was London in the 17th century. It was the century that transformed London, physically—a lot of it burned down at one point—and in many other aspects into the heart of a growing sea power that would spawn a world-wide empire that lasted centuries.

Lincoln focused not only on the famous, rich and powerful but also on the more ordinary person who made London their home during this time period from diaries, letters and wills. For the many more who did not leave such tangible evidence she was able to paint an illustration of their activities and experiences by drawing on many sources. Men dominated the records but Lincoln included women, their complaints and successes in the book. The reader may be surprised by the roles women did play. They were involved in politics, business, religion, entertainment, crime and many other areas. They weren’t just restricted to hearth and home. Afterall, a ruling Queen ushered in the century and a ruling Queen died at the end of it.

This time was not so different from our own: coffeehouses flourished, fake news spread like wildfire, disease shut down the city, quarantines and those that could afford it fled for the suburbs (or country estate if you had one). Young men caused riots, programs were offered for the public’s viewing pleasure (on the stage instead of the tv screen), fashion trends changed dramatically and everyone wanted the hottest new thing (fine porcelain instead of the newest iphone).

Lincoln did a good job of presenting the material in a readable manner with amusing tidbits that liven up what can be dry material to some. I felt she digressed with too much detail about some politics that did not take place in London. However, you do not need to be a scholar to enjoy this book or know much about English history at all. Read and find out just how similar things were to today. In spite of what may seem like the end of the world, may just be the beginning of great times to come.

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for a free ARC in return for an honest response.

[Tiffany · Rating 3 out of 5]

Lincoln's work is well researched and covers a variety of topics-politics, religion, society, culture, and economics- pertaining to London, the people of London, and how the policies and culture shaped or influenced the lives of the people in London during the seventeenth century and beyond. The book is nicely bookended by the death of Elizabeth I to the revolution. There is a lot packed into 350 + pages. The information is easy to read and follow for the most part, with a few exceptions in various chapters. The use of primary sources and excerpts from people from various walks of life and various print resources adds to the interest and comprehension of the topics discussed. The coverage of the big events, the gunpowder plot, the plague, political unrest, the Great Fire, is done well with enough detail to explain what happened without getting too encumbered by details that may possibly lose a casual reader and also not lose a serious scholar. The examination of what life was like for the everyday people, apprentices,
I have read many books examining the tumultuous seventeenth century, and while there were things I already knew about the topics discussed, I learned new information because of Lincoln's approach to the subject matter.
I would recommend this book to anyone wanting more information about what was happening in London and to the people in the Seventeenth century, have an interest in history, or just want to know more about human nature and how we really have changed very little.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the eARC of this work in exchange for my honest review.

[Graychin · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was interested to learn that in the 1630s tickets were frequently issued to the ordinary folk of London to watch King Charles I and the royal family eat their dinner at the Banqueting House. How awkward that must have been for everyone involved. Can you imagine enjoying a meal while people you don’t know from Adam watch you eat it? Or can you imagine gaining any satisfaction from watching strangers – even royal strangers – eat their dinner?

Lincoln’s book is surprisingly good reading. It helps that 17th century England was so jam-packed with events: political and theological radicalism, outright revolution and the execution of the king (apparently they didn’t like the way he used his fork), Cromwell’s Commonwealth, the reinstatement of the Stuart monarchy, then plague and war and the Great Fire of London and the invasion of William of Orange.

3.5 stars but I’m rounding up

[Pat House · Rating 5 out of 5]

As an American Anglophile, I am more familiar with the drama of the Tudor Era than any other period. I did know a little from Samuel Pepys’ diary, but that was all. Boy, have I been missing out on a lot of great stuff! From the death of Queen Elizabeth I, through a Civil War (and beheading of a king), to the Great Fire, to the expansion of trade and the beginning of the Empire, to life in the most important city in the Western world. This book is very informative, exceedingly enjoyable, and written by someone who obviously loves London.

There is far too much included in this work for me to summarize. It is intelligently arranged, easy to follow and understand throughout. I highly recommend this book to Anglophiles and want-to-be Londoners everywhere. I am glad that I get to read about seventeen-century London and did not have to live there — I would not have made good peasant stock.

[Kate Southey · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a fantastic book about my favourite century in British History. Margarette Lincoln has included plenty of ‘real life’ history in amongst all of the huge changes in Monarchy, the plague, the great fire etc and while packed full of historical information it remains eminently readable!
I highly recommend this book to anyone interested in the history of London or interest in British history in general!

[Robin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Margarette Lincoln London and the Seventeenth Century The Making of the World’s Greatest City, Yale University Press, 2021

Thank you, NetGalley for the opportunity to review this book as an advance uncorrected page proof copy.
Margarette Lincoln has established London as a great city, with a colourful history impacting upon its citizens at all levels. From the introduction with the funeral of Queen Elizabeth 1, to closing with the end of William and Mary’s reign, it would be simple to say that the century and book were bound by royalty. However, Lincoln is true to her aim in writing a social history of the century when she gives the smog that hovers over London in 1699 almost the last words. People, rather than royalty feature, in the poor capacity of candles and torches to penetrate the gloom. The world of the Londoner is referred to as having an ideologically unclear idea of the future, as well as the physical lack of clarity. However, finishing on a positive note, Lincoln features the grandeur of London seen from above: St Paul’s overlooking what was to become the immense City of London, and closer to the worker, Greenwich Park, overlooking the source of future trade and manufacturing power.

Turning first to the academic nature of the book: the citations are numerous, informative, and clearly established for each chapter; notes clarify the abbreviations; an additional bibliography of material for further reading is included, as well as the bibliography; there is a wonderful index and maps provide further detail about the events. At the same time as the reader is assured that the information is impeccably sourced and authoritative, none of the academic features impede the reader for whom the story is the most important reason for choosing this history of Seventeenth Century London. The chapter headings are enticing, from the first referring to the earthquake nature of change after Elizabeth’s death to the advice to avoid cynicism and look to the future (Chapter headings are omitted here as this is an uncorrected copy and quotations from this source cannot be used). Other topics that provide a flavour of the material covered and the haunts that the reader will find are as warm as references to coffee houses and as threatening as the Dutch invasion in 1688. Of course, the political ramifications for the century and drama of gunpowder plot are not ignored in the mixture of state affairs and people’s everyday lives.
It is the latter that makes a social history vibrate with events, feelings, the realities of poverty, smells and death and the movement of a society, at times going forward bravely, at others becoming mired in rules and the static nature of admiration for the past. It is here that I feel the book has one shortcoming. I have already noted that the academic reader will be satisfied; and, in the main, I believe that the reader who wants to know about Seventeenth Century London will also be satisfied. However, I feel that the writing needed to be livelier to provide a real sense of what it was like to live in this burgeoning city. Observations made by people who were not suffering the vagaries of poverty because of changes in work, accommodation and geographic location forced upon them cannot do the job of the people suffering these events. I would have liked to have more opportunity to really feel those lives. At the other end of the scale, perhaps some deeper analysis of the political and social events of the seventeenth century, and their possible impact on current events would have been valuable.
Those small quibbles having been aired, I thoroughly enjoyed the book, was impressed by the detail and its accessibility to academic and the non-academic reader and recommend it to both.

[Amrita · Rating 5 out of 5]

(My thanks to Netgalley and Yale University Press for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review)

Margarette Lincoln's London and the Seventeenth Century: the Making of the World's Greatest City brings alive the filth and the drama, the highs and the lows, of a tumultuous century, the bare bones of which should be mostly familiar to those who love history.

It begins with the death of Elizabeth I and her dramatic funeral procession sets the stage for everything that is to follow: disease, treason, regicide, tyranny, conspiracy, coffee, art, trade, cosmetics, poverty, disaster, hate crimes against immigrants and refugees, civil war and a million other things that have seeped into our understanding of not just London as it stands today but England as a whole. It is a uniformly excellent, exciting trip through another world where the turn of every page brings another transformative moment to life, populated not just by kings and titles but ordinary people: artists, writers, diarists, tradesmen, newspaper articles, etc. Wine runs through water fountains on special occasions, poop overflows into neighboring cellars, and angry mobs climb through windows to destroy fancy looms.

I was particularly caught by Lincoln's ability to provide space to women in her book, highlighting their struggles and daily life, and just how astonishingly familiar the challenges of these long dead women reflect that of their sisters today. For instance, we're still trying to convince people that housework is labor and it is impossible to separate women and their experiences from society's fabric because they are people too.

The other thing I particularly enjoyed was the very familiar story of the fall of the Stuart kings amidst their hubris and sense of self-importance coupled with their inability to learn anything ever vs. the rise of Cromwell and the excesses that it provoked in turn - Lincoln turns this very well-known chapter of British history into a living, breathing tale that I very much enjoyed reading. It also sparked a number of thoughts about the systems that keep monarchy alive and how and to what purpose. (And honestly, what on earth is wrong with people who would choose to become kings of England because it seems to be a truly horrible experience. The glitz isn't worth it, baby. Just get a normal job.)

Lincoln brings the book to a close in the reign of William and Mary, with new inventions and a growing empire slowly transforming the city and its ambitions in ways that would only continue coalescing over the next few centuries. But it is the image of a grand London rising to the skies when viewed from lofty heights of wealth and privilege, while the streets drown in pitch dark smog that I take with me - because it not only speaks to the London of a post-Brexit world but also to the grimy realities of "world cities" whose glamour masks the harsh realities of the little people who keep it running.

This is a book for those who know and love London but it is also a fascinating account for those who know nothing about it but what they might have heard or seen in popular media.

[Elaine LaBonte · Rating 4 out of 5]

Margarette Lincoln, the author of “London and the 17th Century, looks at how religious, political, and financial tensions were fomented by commercial ambition, expansion, and hardship. In addition to events at court and parliament, she evokes the remarkable figures of the period, and draws on diaries, letters, and wills to trace the untold stories of ordinary Londoners.
“Lincoln has the keenest possible eye for the character of the key players, the court as well as the populace, for the process of historical change and for London’s street-life, the docks and palace ceremony, coffee houses, gardens and shops. She makes the whole look and feel of the period come alive.”—Charles Saumarez Smith, author of East London

This book is more than just a recital of facts. Ms. Lincoln has created an entertaining, witty, and easy to read book, proving that history books don’t have to be dull and boring.

As today, royalty spares no expense to create pomp and entertainment for the populace. As Ms. Lincoln wrote: “On 16 June 1625, Queen Henrietta Maria, Charles I’s new bride, made her first public appearance in London…. Their union was marked by a water procession: the couple journeyed in the royal barge from Gravesend to Whitehall…. They were accompanied by thousands of other boats; crowds waved and shouted from the shore and fifty ships along the route discharged their cannon.”

I especially like the way the author shows the naked underbelly as well as well as the beauty of London, with details from wars and the Great London Fire. There are too many special events to repeat here. I recommend London and the 17th Century for historians, history buffs, readers who have a deep interest in London, and those just looking for a good read.

My rating for this book is 5 Star. I see no reason to choose anything less.

My thanks to NetGalley the publisher: Yale University Press: or the Author Margarette Lincoln, for giving me this book in exchange for an honest review.

[mylogicisfuzzy · Rating 4 out of 5]

An impressive, accessible and comprehensive history of 17th century London. It’s one of my favourite history periods, a turbulent century, even more so in London because of the plague and the great fire on top of the civil war but also a century that saw the birth of the Royal Society and constitutional monarchy.

Lincoln gives us political, economic, religious, social, architectural and cultural history of the city and its people, with excellent use of primary sources outside of the obvious Pepys and Evelyn diaries. She is interested in print and newspapers and highlights just how much of what was printed during the civil war years was fake news. Charles I art collection gets a look in, the huge sums of money involved in building it, what happened to it after the dissolution and Charles II’s efforts to get it back after the restoration. Lincoln also makes a real effort to highlight women’s voices, I was particularly interested in learning about Robert Boyle’s sister in the chapter on scientific enquiry and the Royal Society but women from all social backgrounds feature. London’s multiculturalism is also addressed and xenophobia that new arrivals faced. For example, she follows Huguenots, expelled from France by Louis XIV as they arrived to London, where and how they lived and worked but more importantly, the technical innovation and lasting influence they had on production of textiles. I found a lot to admire and enjoy in this history – not least the chapter on scientific enquiry and the Royal Society, highly recommended.

My thanks to Yale University Press and Netgalley for the opportunity to read London and the Seventeenth Century.

[Kabir · Rating 4 out of 5]

Personal notes, not a review.

Key notes:
- The mercantile class, via livery houses, had a lot of power.
- The coffee house was an early information network, contributing most notably to the success of the royal society.
- The monarchy had a lot of staying power. It was reinstated despite the long intervening years of the long parliament.
- Plague and disease was ridiculously frequent.
- The Thames was more directly responsible for London's economy than it appears today, being the centre of the UK's import/export industry.

Tidbits:
- Apprentices were bound to a master for 7 years to learn a craft or trade, living in their household. 5-10% of teenage boys entered apprenticeships in London.
- Tradesmen were members of livery companies (55 in 1600) that were granted a monopoly by the city to regulate a particular trade. They got most of their income from rents or finding members for breaking trade rules.
- By 1630 an estimated 37,000 Brits, mostly Scots, had migrated to Ulster, in an attempt by King James I to seed Ireland with non-Catholics loyal to the crown.
- Ships sailing to the East were empty save for the silver bullion needed to buy goods. London's re-export trade was vital to make such voyages profitable.
- Pepper and saltpetre, needed for gunpowder, formed the largest part of the cargo of ships returning from the East.
- By 1700 probably more than a quarter of London's population depended on the Thames, including dependents of seafarers, shipbuilders, porters, warehousemen and so on.
- Only after 1700 did warships and merchant ships become so different that the latter were no longer useful in naval battles. The crown often requisitioned merchant ships in times of war.
- Most foreign trade was armed trade: east indiamen carried 2x the number of men needed to work the ship to defend cargoes.
- In 1650, London was so obscured by coal smoke st Paul's was too obscured to make out. Smoke from commercial ovens and domestic fireplaces turned clothes and even rain black. Even river water was coated in a thin film of dust that bathers carried home on their bodies.
- In 1656, soldiers sent 400 prostitutes to Barbados.
- Coffee houses became a popular meeting place to network and exchange news in the mid century, especially since coffee helped keep the mind sharp in contrast to the alehouse alternative of beer.
- up to a quarter of Londoners died to plague in 1665.
- the great fire destroyed 4/5 of the walled city.
- Staple foods were bread, cheese, onions, and beer.
- By 1700, about 5% of London's 500k population was french.
- Before the practice was banned, merchants laid bets on the outcome of a battle to hedge against the risks of overseas trade.

[Susan Johnston · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a very well researched and comprehensive tome on London in the Seventeenth Century. The book begins at the end of the Tudor reign and the beginning of the Stuart. It also begins with various themes and questions that would haunt the century and its people again and again. The role of the Monarchy and of Parliament was one huge thorny issue that mid century ended up with a regicide and a Commonwealth experiment. It would not end either with the Restoration, largely in part due to the second most thorny issue of the century- religion.. it would not end with the turn of the century.

For London, it was a time when she first came into her prominence. It was a turbulent time and almost every disaster that could befall a city found its way to the capital. From plots, to plagues, from wars to fire and much more, London arose like a phoenix and became the style maker and fortune maker to many. It was a time of change and as we all know, change can be violent and harsh. But in the end, the beginnings of the London we know, and love, were founded in this century.

It also became a centre of art and science much of which changed the world forever. It was not a century in which I would have liked to have lived, but reading about it is very interesting. If you are looking for a quick fix, this is not your book. However, if you are looking for a scholarly yet fast moving text, check it out.

Four purrs and two paws up.

[My Goodreads · Rating 4 out of 5]

London And The Seventeenth Century is well-written and highly informative. Lincoln has a knack for identifying and explaining the events and trends that shaped 17th century London’s development in approachable and entertaining prose. Readers will gain a solid understanding of how the interplay between England’s rulers, London’s government, and its aristocracy, tradespeople, merchants, and impoverished residents shaped the development of city and nation. In examining this, Lincoln tackles both traditional subjects (defense, diplomacy, religion, trade) and cultural development (architecture, entertainment, fashion, leisure pursuits), and how each changed as the city endured civil war, foreign invasion, the great fire, and plagues. From debates about civil rights, gender roles, immigration, political factionalism, religion in politics, and socioeconomic inequality, there are a lot of fascinating parallels between that era and the present day, which Lincoln skillfully draws out. My review copy from NetGalley lacked all the maps and several of the illustrations listed in the table of contents alongside other omissions, and I can only review what I’ve been given, so 3.5 stars for now. But even as an ARC, this was still a fascinating and approachable read and I recommend it to fans of history and well-written nonfiction in general.

[Lucy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow, this book really is so good - extensive and thorough from the first page to the finish. Much praise for Lincoln here, I really enjoyed how the author explored and explained history to us mere readers. From the plague to the great fire, and everything in between, a far reaching and expansive read detailing information from the 17th century and allowing me to learn about a time gone by, but not one that is much different from today.

From fake news, changing trends and culture (like now where we are swapping dark, chunky wooden pieces of furniture for flat pack in white and grey in sleek slim designs) killer diseases and viruses flying around, similar to now where we are all in isolation, shielding and lockdown.

This has so much within its page, it's a crying shame to miss out on, I would definitely recommend to those who love to learn, are history buffs or aspiring to something of the kind, it's clearly been Lincoln's pride and joy to work and write on this, a lot of effort has been poured into this and it's a little bit like a mini dosing of a museum (since we all can't actually get to one atm - lockdown 3.0 in the UK). For me this a 100% recommend and one that I didn't want to finish!

Many thanks to the author, the publishers and netgalley for my free ARC in return for an honest review.

[Gary Brecht · Rating 4 out of 5]

Many books have been written about the city of London. This one provides us with a picture of what it was like during the 17th century. Naturally much of the focus is on the English monarchy where the Stuarts reigned until forcefully removed from the throne during the Glorious Revolution. Oliver Cromwell rules in the interim. In 1689 William of Orange and Mary II (daughter of James II) made concessions to Parliament and restored the monarchy after her father had been overthrown.

While the author provides us with an account of the kings, queens, and reign of Oliver Cromwell during this century, much of the book is centered on London’s commercial evolution. Moreover, details are also provided as to role played by the Royal Society of London in advancing scientific knowledge during the period.

While such significant events as the plague and the great fire of London are reviewed, there is a surprising amount of detail as to the everyday tasks of the common folk. Books were written at this time, for example, providing cooking instructions, proper mealtime manners, etc. Most of these were very popular and written by women.

For an overview of 17th Century London that covers the grand events of the era as well as the commercial, financial and domestic evolution of the City this is an excellent resource.

[Soozee · Rating 4 out of 5]

The seventeenth century began with the last gasp of the Elizabethan era; then came a time of incredible turmoil - James I, Charles I, the English Civil War, Cromwell and the republic, Charles II and the years of plague, the Great Fire of London, James and finally his daughters Mary and Anne. The book covers all these events in detail, which is interesting, and makes sense as they all are centred around London, as well as the wars with France, the changing fashions and tastes, trade and commerce and throughout the century the impact of religious tolerance (and intolerance).

However, I had hoped to read more about life in London itself, not a rehash of the origins of the Civil War, for example. I hoped that diaries and letters might have been used to provide a picture of life in London in these interesting times. There seemed to be a lot of reliance on national events, and too little on the personal and individual testimonies that would have made for a book on the less-known aspects of life in capital.

Overall I enjoyed the book, it is well written and split into sections so is very readable. However, I did feel some sections were just concentrating too much on national events like the Civil War and too little on the impact on ordinary London residents.

Thank you to NetGalley and Yale University Press for allowing me access to the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Mrs. Kristin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not many non-fiction, historical books are written from a common-person perspective. Mostly, their literacy rates were low so its hard to gather their first hand accounts. However, this was a fascinating look at their lives and how the politics of the age played a role.

This is such an interesting era filled with Shakespeare and religious tensions still permeating throughout the political turmoil of the crown. I am not a huge fan of Oliver Cromwell and the English Civil War, so those parts I moved through quickly. But the sentiment is one that follows us through history; the large working-class overcoming the over-indulgences of the ruling-class. We can still see lessons of the English Civil War playing out in American and British society.

But, it was a good non-fiction novel on a fascinating time in London history.

Thanks to NetGalley and the author for a free digital copy for review. All opinions are my own and receiving a free copy in no way played a role in my thoughts and opinions.

[Tawney · Rating 4 out of 5]

There is a decent chance that what you might like to know about 17th Century life in London can be found in this book. Politics, economics, religion, health, immigration, science, entertainment, the roles of women, coffee houses and more. The book is exhaustive, but not at all exhausting. It's very well written. Lincoln's depiction of events leading to Charles I's beheading and James II's overthrow - distrust, rumor, false news, paranoia - sounds downright modern (as does so much history when you get into the details). The London of 1700 would probably be disorienting to a citizen from 1600 as Margarette Lincoln shows in this book.

There is a good bibliography and extensive index. The one thing missing from the advanced readers copy is a map which would be so helpful.

I received this book compliments of Yale University Press and NetGalley.

[Anne Morgan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a well researched and well written history of the city of London through the seventeenth century. Full of snippets from diaries or letters, the city and its people rise before our eyes and it is fascinating to watch the changing trends across the century. Margarette Lincoln covers everything from merchants and the poor to the royals: the glitter and decadence of the royal court and the dirt and disease of the poorest streets. Daily life, politics, religion, health, building, and more make this book fascinating. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book and learned a lot from it, and plan on rereading it to get more info to stick in my brain. A definite must read for history lovers.

I received this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review

[Debbie · Rating 4 out of 5]

A thorough, well-researched, and well-written history of London during the seventeenth century. Just about every major aspect of Londoners' lives is considered, from politics, the impact of war, pestilence and famine, and religion, through to fashions, entertainment, and consumption. For a book this broad, a surprising amount of archival research has been completed, and these individual stories add a welcome personal touch to the abundant information already included. The secondary research is up-to-date and many of the themes touched upon are extremely popular at the moment, but there is no shoe-horning: everything is woven seamlessly and naturally into the overall narrative.