London was founded by Rome in 47 AD. Since then, it has grown by leaps & bounds in a hodgepodge of streets and buildings as technology changed population patterns. This video provides 3 views of London as they attempt to bring order to chaotic city life. But what the map maker creates, is not always reality…
After the Great Fire of 1666, which destroyed the medieval area and more, in 1682,William Morgan surveyed & published a map. It is 8 ft by 5 ft on 16 sheets and is considered the 1st accurate map of London. Well, sort of. Wren created some plans & drawings that influenced Morgan, but were not used.
In 1746, John Rocque published a new map to reflect the prosperity of London. It is 13 ft by 8 ft on 24 sheets and creates a refined tasteful city. Not what his friend Hogarth saw…
In 2008, Steven Walter created a rather eclectic, but orderly view of London. It includes all of the correct geography, but includes jokes, social commentary and personal history. London is drawn as an island. In 2012, he drew London Subterranea, which describes currently hidden places like bunkers, buried rivers and pagan burial sites.
How would you draw London today? Or your hometown?