All London [antikvár]

THE CITY Modern London is a hybrid creature formed from the ancient cities of London and Westminster evolving over the centuries into what is today a sprawling metropolis comprising some 8,000,000 inhabitants in an area of about 610 square miles. But it is in the City that we must look for the origins of the London we know today. London, the greatest city in the world, is at least two thousand years old and was settled long before the first Roman invansion. Over the centuries the City has jealously guarded its independence which has been recognised by a series of royal charters. William the Conqueror acknowledged the City's special privileges as did King John in a Charter dated 9 May 1215 which confirmed the right to choose a Mayor by annual election. The medieval face of London was dramatically changed by the Great Fire which broke out on 2 September 1666 in Pudding Lane, less than a year after the Great Plague that in a single week had claimed over 12,000 lives. During a period of four days 13,000 houses and over 80 churches were destroyed. The Great Fire consumed many of the fine livery halls of the City Companies, the Royal Exchange, the Guildhall (only the walls and crypt escaped) the Fish Market at Billingsgate, Fleet and Bridewell Prisons, Ludgate, Aldersgate and Newgate (three of the ancient City gates), and St. Paul's Cathedral. Miraculously only a few lives were lost but the Fire destroyed over three-quarters of the City and along with it priceless records and fine examples of medieval architecture both civil and religious. The Monument was designed by Sir Christopher Wren, in collaboration with Robert Hooke, and erected in 1677 to commemorate the Great Fire. The Portland stone fluted column is 202 feet high, surmounted by a platform and topped by a gilded flaming urn. The height is reputed to be the exact distance from where the fire started. Three hundred and eleven steps inside the pillar lead to a balcony from which there is a marvellous view of London. "The Fat Boy", a small gilded wooden figure situated high up on a wall In Cock Lane, Giltspur Street, Smithfield, marks the farthest limit of the Fire. The Central Criminal Court, more popularly known as the Old Bailey, was built in 1907 near the site of the infamous Newgate which was London's main prison from the thirteenth century. Contrary to popular belief the figure of Justice, topping the copper dome, holding a sword in one hand and the scales of justice in the other, is not blindfolded. Doctor Johnson's House, Gough Square, off Fleet Street is a delightful example of Queen Anne domestic architecture. The Doctor lived here between 1748-1759 and compiled his famous Dictionary in the attic at the top of the house with the help of six assistants. The house contains many Johnson relics including his armchair, letters and prints of friends — Mrs. Thrale, Fanny Burney, Oliver Goldsmith, David Garrick, Sir Joshua Reynolds and his biographer