In Victorian London, filth was everywhere: horse traffic filled the streets with dung, household rubbish went uncollected, cesspools brimmed with "night soil," graveyards teemed with rotting corpses, the air itself was choked with smoke. In this intimately visceral book, Lee Jackson guides us through the underbelly of the Victorian metropolis, introducing us to the men and women who struggled to stem a rising tide of pollution and dirt, and the forces that opposed them. Through thematic chapters, Jackson describes how Victorian reformers met with both triumph and disaster. Full of individual stories and overlooked details--from the dustmen who grew rich from recycling, to the peculiar history of the public toilet--this riveting book gives us a fresh insight into the minutiae of daily life and the wider challenges posed by the unprecedented growth of the Victorian capital.

For over 600 years, Old London Bridge represented the pulsating heart of London. The scene of commerce and battle, romance and ceremony, it remained a vibrant focal point for 20 generations of Londoners. This remarkable structure—with its drawbridge, nineteen arches, and nineteen piers—stood majestic through the centuries and was an inspiration to many who saw it. This is the story of the bridge, its inhabitants, and its extraordinary evolution—and of how it came to live on in affectionate folk memory, occupying a unique place in London’s heritage.

Discover one of the world's most fascinating and historic cities through 30 dramatic true stories spanning the rich history of London. Author Kevin Jackson takes readers through more than 2,000 years of British history with exciting essays on topics such as London's origins, Richard the Lion-Hearted, Geoffrey Chaucer, Henry V, Shakespeare, Queen Victoria, Jack the Ripper, Charles Dickens, Oscar Wilde, the Beatles, and more. In addition, guided walking tours of London's historic neighborhoods, illustrated with color photographs and period maps, take readers to the places where history really happened.

Maps of Old London offers a remarkable journey through the cartographic documentation of one of the world's most historically vibrant cities. This anthology unites a fascinating array of perspectives, ranging from the meticulous surveys of John Rocque to the panoramic views by Antony Van Den Wyngaerde, and captures London's evolving landscape through different epochs. The collection stands out for its diverse representation of literary styles, from detailed architectural drawings to picturesque engravings, encapsulating the city's transformations and the multitude of narratives embedded within its streets. It serves not only as a visual history but also as a testament to the evolution of mapping techniques and styles over centuries. The contributors, G. E. Mitton, Antony Van Den Wyngaerde, Hoefnagel, and John Rocque, bring together a rich tapestry of Londons past through their unique skills and historical insight. Their works collectively chart the city's development from a bustling medieval metropolis to the cusp of modernity, engaging with cultural and architectural shifts. This anthology aligns with and enriches our understanding of urban cartography, serving as a crucial intersection between historical study and artistic representation. The varied backgrounds of these contributors enrich the anthology, offering a layered exploration of London's urban fabric. Maps of Old London is an essential volume for enthusiasts of cartography, history, and urban studies, offering a unique opportunity to explore the capital citys rich past through its changing landscapes. Readers are invited to immerse themselves in this curated collection, which not only educates but also sparks curiosity about the narratives that have shaped one of the world's most iconic cities. This anthology promises an educational journey, offering a profound insight into the dialogue between Londons physical transformations and its representation on paper, appealing to both scholars and general readers alike.