London Before the Conquest

The work surveys the city's physical and institutional development from its Romano-British origins through the late Anglo-Saxon period, combining archaeological finds and documentary traces to trace continuity and change. It examines early settlement and Christian presence, the riverine geography of fords and bridges, roads, walls, gates, and quays, and the organization of wards, parishes, and a palace. Urban life is treated through streets, craft gilds, schools, churches, the Guildhall and civic landmarks such as London Stone, alongside discussion of local government. A concluding appendix outlines sources and methods for reconstructing maps of the early city.