Georgian London: An Architectural Study

In this classic of English architectural history, John Summerson provides an account of a major building period in the history of London. Encompassing the architecture of the capital from the Great Fire of 1666 through the city’s early-19th-century expansion, it explores the genesis and development of Georgian London. Summerson examines the way in which building was conditioned by social, economic and financial circumstances and discusses some of Britain’s most important buildings and their architects. Between 1714 and 1830, great squares, elegant stucco and brick terraces, fine churches, grand parks and new thoroughfares transformed the appearance of London. Sir John Summerson paints a picture of the architect’s aims, the technical innovations and the social and political background which determined the character of these changes. Ranging from the work of Adam and Nash to that of cavalier speculators, embracing political crises, legislation and hopes of social reform, this book combines analysis of great and famous buildings – Westminster Bridge, the Bank of England and the Horseguards – with a detailed description of the historical circumstances out of which they rose.