Mmmkp

I'm interested in the city during the 16th to the 19th century in London.
How was it back then, does anybody know?

I want to know how the environment was, how big the difference was from the slum to the upper class, the shops how they looked like - did they start out as markets and then somebody started building the shops inside?
What did the people wear in hot weather, rainy weather and cold weather?
Was it outrageous if a woman lived all by herself - if she didn't have any family left?

This is a bit of a research for a story I'm writing and I would appreciate if someone could answer me back!

Thanks!

Optiow

In London back then people were divided. There were the poor and there were the rich. The rich got everything and lived in the best houses, and the poor got very little. So in the 1700 and 1800's it was common for poor children to become pickpockets and rob rich people. This got so bad that some people refused to wear any valuables on the street because of the pickpockets. There was also a lot of crime and not a very good police force (a lot could be bribed to turn away when a crime was being permitted). Most people used to go on foot to places or ride a cart or a horse.

Tudor chick

When we were in London last year, we went on a Shakespear's tour of London. Which covered the buildings which were around in that time. Well worth it. The other side of the river was the slums and where the less respectable people lived. Thus, why the theatre was on the other side of the river. This would be easy to find out info on if your interested in this period.

Belisarius

"Elizabeth's London" by Liza Picard (Tudor London)
"Restoration London" by Liza Picard (Post Civil War London to 1700)
"Dr Johnson's London" By Liza Picard (1700-1750)
"Victorian London" by guess who?

I've read Elizabeth's London and found it an excellent sourcebook. Picard realy gets down in the gutter with the average Londoner, and covers al aspects of the social history of the place. A "must read". I've got Dr Johnson's London but haven't had time to read it yet.

Tudor chick

Good to see you back - I have been wondering where you were.

Victorian London by guess who? Is this something we should know or is it a trick question?

Belisarius

Never been away, always lurking in the darkness ready to pounce. Just not a lot of time to actively contribute at the moment.

Erm...who wrote the other three books on the list? That's a clue.

Tudor chick

Yes of course I have a terrible cold at the moment and the old brain more foggy than usual

diddyriddick

Or one could just read Dickens.