A new book by the City of London’s Director of Culture, Heritage and Libraries uses treasures from the City’s archives to tell London’s history and its role on the national and world stage.
The items include the City’s copy of the 1297 Magna Carta; William I’s 1067 confirmation of the City’s liberties; a property deed for a house in Blackfriars, signed by William Shakespeare; Dutch and Flemish paintings at The Mansion House; letters from John Keats and plans for the Thames Barrier.
London 1,000 Years: Treasures from the Collections of the City of London features specially commissioned photographs and is arranged in five sections: the national and world stage; the engine of finance; London life; growth and renewal and the arts and sciences.
Each section opens with an introductory text, followed by detailed descriptions on individual treasures.
Author David Pearson said: “Over the centuries, the City of London Corporation has collected an astonishing range of treasures and, essentially, become the proud and privileged guardian of these items.
“My colleagues at the Guildhall Library, Guildhall Art Gallery, The Mansion House, London Metropolitan Archives and Keats House have done sterling work to help tell London’s story by using these precious objects under their stewardship, and it is our hope that the book will appeal to people interested in the City and London’s history, as well as historic documents, art and books.”
London 1,000 Years: Treasures from the Collections of the City of London, edited by David Pearson, will be published by Scala Publishing on Friday 18 November and can be pre-ordered via this link.
