The History of London


Read by Ruth Golding

(4.8 stars; 126 reviews)

Walter Besant was a novelist and historian, and his topographical and historical writings, ranging from prehistoric times to the nineteenth century, were probably best known through the detailed 10-volume Survey of London published after his death.

This earlier single volume covers, in less depth, the whole period from prehistory until the 19th century. The book appears originally to have been written for boys, and, indeed, the chapters are called "Lessons". However, it is a very readable history and provides a fascinating insight into both London's past and the government of the City at the time the book was written (1894). (Summary by Ruth Golding) (8 hr 35 min)

Chapters

01 - Lessons 1 - 2: The Foundation of London (I - II) 14:21 Read by Ruth Golding
02 - Lessons 3 - 4: Roman London (I - II) 13:31 Read by Ruth Golding
03 - Lessons 5 - 7: After the Romans (I - III) 20:16 Read by Ruth Golding
04 - Lessons 8 - 10: The First and Second Saxon Settlements, and The Anglo-Saxon Citizen 18:57 Read by Ruth Golding
05 - Lessons 11 - 12: The Wall of London, and Norman London 12:40 Read by Ruth Golding
06 - Lessons 13 - 14: Fitzstephen's Account of the City (I - II) 14:01 Read by Ruth Golding
07 - Lessons 15 - 18: London Bridge (I - II), and The Tower of London (I - II) 25:22 Read by Ruth Golding
08 - Lessons 19 - 20: The Pilgrims, and St. Bartholomew's Hospital 13:17 Read by Ruth Golding
09 - Lessons 21 - 22: The Terror of Leprosy, and The Terror of Famine 15:39 Read by Ruth Golding
10 - Lessons 23 - 25: St. Paul's Cathedral (I - II), and Paul's Churchyard 21:28 Read by Ruth Golding
11 - Lessons 26 - 27: The Religious Houses, and Monks, Friars, and Nuns 14:19 Read by Ruth Golding
12 - Lessons 28 - 29: The London Churches, and The Streets 15:07 Read by Ruth Golding
13 - Lessons 30 - 32: Whittington (I - III) 19:04 Read by Ruth Golding
14 - Lessons 33 - 35: Gifts and Bequests, The Palaces and Great Houses, and Amusements 20:53 Read by Ruth Golding
15 - Lessons 36 - 37: Westminster Abbey, and The Court at Westminster 13:17 Read by Ruth Golding
16 - Lessons 38 - 39: Justice and Punishments, and The Political Power of London 15:06 Read by Ruth Golding
17 - Lessons 40 - 42: Elizabethan London (I - III) 18:51 Read by Ruth Golding
18 - Lessons 43 - 45: Trade (I - III) 21:28 Read by Ruth Golding
19 - Lessons 46 - 49: Plays and Pageants (I - IV) 25:53 Read by Ruth Golding
20 - Lessons 50 - 51: The Terror of the Plague (I - II) 14:31 Read by Ruth Golding
21 - Lessons 52 - 53: The Terror of Fire (I - II) 13:38 Read by Ruth Golding
22 - Lesson 54: Rogues and Vagabonds 7:45 Read by Ruth Golding
23 - Lessons 55 - 59: Under George the Second (I - V) 33:09 Read by Ruth Golding
24 - Lessons 60 - 62: The Government of the City (I - III) 17:35 Read by Ruth Golding
25 - Lesson 63: London 8:36 Read by Ruth Golding
26 - Author's Notes on Lessons 1 - 20 36:03 Read by Ruth Golding
27 - Author's Notes on Lessons 21 - 39 24:48 Read by Ruth Golding
28 - Author's Notes on Lessons 40 - 63 25:46 Read by Ruth Golding

Reviews


(5 stars)

A must -read (liste) for history lovers, especially for those interested in finding out cultural insight about the British people or others who came in contact with the Brits. The recording is flawless and the voice sounds great. Thank you!


(5 stars)

I love it, in fact I relax my self listening to this audio book. Thanks goodness for this delightful app. I gave it 5star because it deserves to have it.


(5 stars)

this book was an excellent listen. So much information in here that is still relevant today. It is a must-read for anyone and everyone even teenagers. it is not just for people interested in England or London it captures much of the world.

easy-listening history


(5 stars)

This book is fascinating to listen to. It seems to be intended for children, but it is an absorbing cultural/political/geographical/social overview. The reader is excellent.


(5 stars)

Ruth Golding is an exceptionally good reader. The content was enjoyable as well. Thank you!

Superb


(5 stars)

This is a wonderful and utterly fascinating story, very well written, and marvellously read.

Excellent reader


(4.5 stars)

Good Book. This reader is one of my favorites. Well done, again.


(4.5 stars)

Excellent reading. Great history lessons with very detailed accounts and source referencing.