Tudor London was a vibrant capital city, the very hub of English cultural and political life. The thriving metropolis had a strong royal presence, at the long established Tower of London and Westminster, and later at the palaces of Whitehall, Bridewell and St James’s, built by Henry VIII to host his glittering court. Anne Boleyn was assigned a house in the Strand, with gardens running down to the river, while Elizabeth I stayed occasionally at Somerset House.
The great and the good gravitated to the city too: Erasmus lodged with Sir Thomas More and his family in Bucklesbury, off Cheapside; Sir Walter Raleigh wrote poetry in his study in Durham House, overlooking the Thames and William Shakespeare lodged in Silver Street. Like today, streets and areas grew up with their own distinct personality: Bankside and Shoreditch were the first theatre and entertainment districts where the Globe Theatre was built to sit alongside the bear-baiting rings. Londoners themselves, and the many immigrants who flocked from the continent, created a lively, raucous society in the streets, markets and the hundreds of inns and ale-houses.
Everyday Life in Tudor London vividly recreates this colourful city.
Publisher: Amberley Publishing
ISBN: 9781398122529
Number of pages: 288
Weight: 240 g
Dimensions: 198 x 129 mm
'This excellent work brings the spirit of the Tudor city to life, complete with descriptions of ale houses, glittering royal palaces and the stinking slums by the River Thames.' - BBC History Revealed, February 2017
'Stephen's book brings to life the personalities and the ordinary folk who spent their lives in the Tudor period in London town. Essential reading for anyone interested in history and people. Absolutely superb!' - Books Monthly, January 2017
'This very readable account is ideal for the general rather than the academic reader.' - The Bookbag, December 2016
'This was a very enjoyable read. It's a volume crammed with scholarly detail, a book to return to again and again as there's so much more to learn.' - Who Do You Think You Are Magazine, February 2017
'I am happy to recommend Stephen Porter's book to anyone with an interest in the Tudor period or in how the city of London developed into the capital it is today.' - The Writing Desk, July 2018
'It is clear that every aspect of the subject matter has been thoroughly researched and reveals a huge amount of information on each chapter from a wide variety of source information. It is well constructed and presented in an easily accessible format which makes it an enjoyable and informative read.' - On the Tudor Trail, October 2018
'I recommend this book as a valuable resource for anyone interested in the Tudor period, and Stephen Porter's engaging writing style is aimed at a wide audience, from those with little knowledge to dedicated scholars. If you're looking to step back in time and explore the dynamic world of Tudor London, this book is an excellent place to start.' - The Writing Desk, July 2024
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