London in the eighteenth century

Besant, Walter

Book

London in the eighteenth century

A. & C. Black • London • Published In 1902 • Pages: xvii, 667 , plates

By: Besant, Walter.

Abstract
This mammoth history of London presents a wide variety of brief chapters on life in London and the surrounding region from about 1700 to 1837. The source is an attempt to give the feel of life during the times, rather than to provide a detailed history. However, there is much detail and the reader is immersed in the events, manners, smells, sounds, sights, and general environment of eighteenth century London. There are seven sections to the book. The first, 'Historical Notes,' includes 20 chapters on such topics as the great storm of 1703, the South Sea bubble, the effects of the American and French Revolutions, and parliamentary reform. Part two, 'The City and the Streets,' describes the physical environment of the city with chapters on the extent of the city, the condition of the streets, 'postal arrangements, 'and a slum in 1788. Part three concerns the church, its relations with the city, its powers, and dissenters. Chapters on superstitions and libraries are included here apparently for lack of a better location. Part four concerns the government of the city, trade, and trade unions. Part five, 'Manners and Customs,' contains 21 chapters on everything from an account of daily life, clothing, weddings, and funerals, to medicine, the duration of life, and indigence. Part six, 'Society and Amusements,' principally describes the life of the upper class and touches upon the theatre, spas and resorts, and gambling. Part seven, 'Crime, Police, Justice, Debtors, Prisons,' is a lengthy account of the prevalence of crime and lack of protection in London, the police and the courts, and a detailed look at prisons and punishments. Six appendices provide tabular information on (1) the frequency and location of church services, daily prayers, holy communion and sermons in 1733; (2) locations of meeting houses of different denominations; (3) almshouses; (4) tax and other city offices; (5) mortality and morbidity in 1770; and (6) a list of tavern names and signs. A chronicle of historical events from 1701 to 1837, and a map of London in 1741-1745 completes the volume. There is also a detailed index. Besant wrote for a British audience and often makes assumptions about his readers knowledge of British history which may be unjustified for American or other readers. Outside sources may therefore be needed to occasionally clear up points which Besant leaves ambiguous. Besant's reliance on primary sources including pamphlets and forgotten novels of the time, helps to recreate the atmosphere of eighteenth century London.

Deliberative councils

Political movements

Taxation and public income

Police

Mercantile business

Retail marketing

Brawls, riots, and banditry

Congregations