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The History of London

by Walter BESANT (1836 - 1901)

19 - Lessons 46 - 49: Plays and Pageants (I - IV)

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)

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Listen next episodes of The History of London:
20 - Lessons 50 - 51: The Terror of the Plague (I - II) , 21 - Lessons 52 - 53: The Terror of Fire (I - II) , 22 - Lesson 54: Rogues and Vagabonds , 23 - Lessons 55 - 59: Under George the Second (I - V) , 24 - Lessons 60 - 62: The Government of the City (I - III) , 25 - Lesson 63: London , 26 - Author's Notes on Lessons 1 - 20 , 27 - Author's Notes on Lessons 21 - 39 , 28 - Author's Notes on Lessons 40 - 63