Inns and Taverns of Old London   By: Henry C. (Henry Charles) Shelley

In "Inns and Taverns of Old London," author Henry C. Shelley takes readers on a captivating journey through the history of London's vibrant tavern culture. Delving deep into the annals of the city's past, Shelley masterfully uncovers the hidden stories and fascinating anecdotes that lay scattered throughout the capital's taverns, inns, and alehouses.

The book opens a window into a bygone era, where innkeepers and landlords held a prominent role in society. Through meticulous research and an evident passion for the subject, Shelley paints a vivid picture of London's bustling tavern scene during the 17th and 18th centuries. From the most luxurious establishments frequented by the elite to the humble few rooms above a pub, each chapter unveils the distinct charms and the distinct personalities of these venues.

One of the book's greatest strengths is the way in which Shelley presents an intricate tapestry of stories and characters interwoven with the historical backdrop. He skillfully combines richly detailed accounts of famous taverns like the "George and Vulture" and the "Red Lion" with lesser-known establishments, ensuring that readers gain a comprehensive understanding of this integral part of London's social fabric.

Moreover, Shelley's prose transports readers to the past, as he invokes the sights, sounds, and aromas of a bustling inn or a noisy tavern. His vivid descriptions truly bring these spaces to life, allowing readers to feel as though they are rubbing elbows with the patrons and experiencing the rowdy atmosphere firsthand.

Additionally, "Inns and Taverns of Old London" benefits from the inclusion of numerous illustrations that complement and enhance the author's storytelling. These illustrations, ranging from intricate sketches of the interiors and exteriors of taverns to historical maps of London, provide readers with a visually captivating experience that further immerses them in the narrative.

While the book is undeniably a treasure trove of historical information and fascinating anecdotes, it occasionally suffers from a lack of organization. The order in which inn and taverns are presented seems somewhat haphazard at times, making it slightly challenging for readers to follow a specific timeline or thematic progression. However, this minor drawback does not detract significantly from the overall enjoyment of the book.

"Inns and Taverns of Old London" is a captivating read that appeals not only to history buffs but also to those with an interest in London's rich cultural heritage. Shelley's meticulous research, engaging storytelling, and evocative descriptions create an immersive reading experience that transports readers back in time. This book serves as a valuable resource for anyone keen to explore the hidden nooks and crannies of London's historical social scene.

First Page:

For all races of Teutonic origin the claim is made that they are essentially home loving people. Yet the Englishman of the sixteenth and seventeenth and eighteenth centuries, especially of the latter, is seen to have exercised considerable zeal in creating substitutes for that home which, as a Teuton, he ought to have loved above all else. This, at any rate, was emphatically the case with the Londoner, as the following pages will testify. When he had perfected his taverns and inns, perfected them, that is, according to the light of the olden time, he set to work evolving a new species of public resort in the coffee house. That type of establishment appears to have been responsible for the development of the club, another substitute for the home. And then came the age of the pleasure garden. Both the latter survive, the one in a form of a more rigid exclusiveness than the eighteenth century Londoner would have deemed possible; the other in so changed a guise that frequenters of the prototype would scarcely recognize the relationship... Continue reading book >>