Situated on opposite sides of the Thames, the ancient districts of
Southwark and Blackfriars have played a crucial role in London's
political, social and religious activities throughout the centuries.
Today, thousands of visitors flock here to enjoy the many famous pubs,
theatres, galleries and museums. In this book, author Lucy McMurdo takes
readers on an enjoyable and informative tour exploring the architectural
heritage and treasures in these areas. Southwark was a key suburb of
London from Roman times. Located outside the City walls and not subject
to the City authorities, it became London's prime entertainment zone and
notorious for its four 'P's: pubs, prostitution, prisons and playhouses.
Its riverbanks were lined with wharves, warehouses, factories and inns
until the mid-twentieth century when London's docks closed down. The
area's colourful history has not been forgotten, however. Many buildings
remain and three literary giants, Shakespeare, Chaucer and Dickens, have
great associations with Southwark. Blackfriars takes its name from the
community of black-robed Dominican monks that settled here in the
thirteenth century. Following the Dissolution of the Monasteries the
priory land was reassigned and, in 1596, the entrepreneur James Burbage
established Blackfriars Theatre. William Shakespeare and Burbage's son,
Robert, regularly appeared in plays here and Shakespeare purchased both
a part share in the theatre and a house in nearby Ireland Yard. When
Blackfriars Bridge opened in 1769, it not only immortalised the area's
name, but also connected the district to Southwark on the south bank of
the Thames. This accessible and engaging perspective is illustrated
throughout and will appeal to residents and visitors alike.
