Critique of "London Under" by Mr. Gray

The book "London Under" is available in the library.

This book is a short but fascinating study of the evolution of London from Roman times until the present day by an examination of the world beneath a Londoner’s feet.  By examining the layers of earth which uphold London, Peter Ackroyd is able to uncover the changing role, status and activities of the UK’s capital city over many centuries and reflect the country’s status, initially as a vassal state until the early twentieth century as a hugely influential imperial power.  Later we see Britain under attack during the Second World War and more recently as a modern first world country embracing new technologies which govern our everyday lives.

Ackroyd looks at archaeological remains; underground rivers which have been suppressed or diverted into drainage systems, such as the Fleet; at the sewage system; early attempts to cross the Thames by tunnelling; the establishment of the tube (the London underground) the 150^th anniversary of which inception is this year, 2013, and cabling and pipework systems.  He looks at how names of places, monuments and churches are  influenced by the life underground, by wells and sources and by spiritual qualities associated with them and points out that the names of many tube and railway stations have religious or other spiritual connotations in consequence: King’s Cross, Temple, Charing Cross, St Pancras, Marylebone, Shadwell, Bayswater.

This book is a fascinating, entertaining and informative work of history and I can recommend it to anyone from S3-S6 with an interest in British history, in London, in Geography or in Social Anthropology.  You will not be disappointed. 

Mr. Gray.