The Paradox of Shakespeare's London

London was the centre of Shakespeare’s world, where he lived and worked and the setting for many of his plays.  But what was it like?

It was a paradoxical place. It had much of the atmosphere of a medieval city with its prosperous merchants, glorious pageantry, squalor, crime and disease.  On the other hand, it felt very modern with clean water, a London season, fashionable shops, a tourism industry and terrible traffic problems.

Come and explore this strange and fascinating place and hear the voices of tourists and travellers who were amazed, baffled and delighted by the city.

David Thomas worked for many years at the National Archives where he was Director of Technology.  He is now a visiting professor at Northumbria University.  He has had a long interest in Shakespeare’s life and was the co-discoverer of two major documents relating the Shakespeare’s father.  He has researched Shakespeare forgeries and has currently just finished a book – A Tourist Guide to Shakespeare’s London which looks at the city through the eyes of the writers who talked about it and the many visitors who came and marvelled at its wonders.

The date of this talk was changed from 19th May to 7th September. Apologies for any inconvenience caused.