London and the Kingdom - Volume 2 / A History Derived Mainly from the Archives at Guildhall in the Custody of the Corporation of the City of London.

Metadata

Gutenberg ID

20990

Title

London and the Kingdom - Volume 2 / A History Derived Mainly from the Archives at Guildhall in the Custody of the Corporation of the City of London.

Language

en

Book source

Project Gutenberg

Description max 80 words

This authoritative history chronicles the City of London's pivotal role in national affairs from the reign of James I through Queen Anne. Drawing on Guildhall archives, the text details the Corporation's military contributions, financial loans to the Crown, and resilience during the Great Fire and the Plague. A rigorous, fact-based narrative highlighting civic duty and political turbulence.

Summary up to 500 words

Reginald R. Sharpe's *London and the Kingdom - Volume II* offers a comprehensive history of the City of London's pivotal role in English national affairs from the accession of James I to the reign of Queen Anne. Derived primarily from Guildhall archives, the narrative traces the intricate relationship between the civic corporation and the monarchy, highlighting the City's essential contributions of trained bands, naval ships, and massive financial loans during times of war and royal distress. The text vividly recounts the City's complex political navigation, from the Spanish Match controversy and the Gunpowder Plot to the turbulent Civil War era. During the Commonwealth, the City faced the threat of military occupation and the execution of Charles I, yet it maintained its unique status. The Restoration brought new challenges, including the Great Fire of 1666, which destroyed much of the city, and the catastrophic Plague of 1665. Sharpe details how civic leaders remained steadfast during the plague, while the City's financial ingenuity and the rebuilding efforts following the fire defined a new era. The volume continues through the Glorious Revolution, the War of the Grand Alliance, and the rise of the East India Company. Throughout these transformative periods, the work emphasizes the City's enduring influence on national policy, its financial innovations, and its militia, portraying a powerful institution that successfully navigated the storms of revolution, religious conflict, and foreign war while preserving its liberties and economic dominance.

LLM editorial rating

4.2/5

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• History
• Travel