The Annals of London

There is a mine of information in this large, illustrated chronicle of London which presents almost a thousand years of history through year-by-year accounts. After a general overview of prehistoric and Saxon London, Richardson begins with 1065 and the causes of the Norman Conquest and ends with the erection of the Dome and the London Eye. In between are entries which illustrate the daily life, disasters and achievements of London as well as other events, such as the siege of 1141 and the plague in 1348, which reflect national crises. The entries record the gradual construction of the London that can be seen today, such as the building campaigns at the Tower of London and the destruction of many of its buildings. An enjoyable read on London's past.