John Norden, The View of London Bridge from east to west, [1597]

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Date:1597

Description:London Bridge, looking upstream in Shakespeare's time.

London's medieval bridge was thronged with passers-by entering the city. At the south end (left on this contemporary engraving) lay the gate above which were displayed the heads of executed criminals. This grim welcome to the city served as a warning that the city was firm, and sometimes harsh against those who broke the law. Shakespeare was to reflect this kind of law enforcement in his play of Measure for Measure, 1,2, lines 84-100 and 208-225.


Full title: John Norden, The View of London Bridge from east to west, [1597] (hand-coloured)


Timeline

The timeline shows resources around this location over a number of years.

1570s
Georg Braun and Franz Hogenberg, Londinium, c. 1572  - detail - decorative title panel
Georg Braun and Franz Hogenberg, Londinium, c. 1572 - detail - decorative title panel

'Londinium': ancient capital of Shakespeare's England. London had been founded ...

1590s
John Norden, The View of London Bridge from east to west, [1597] - detail - note the water-wheel under the bridge.
John Norden, The View of London Bridge from east to west, [1597] - detail - note the water-wheel under the bridge.

The northern bank of the Thames at London in Shakespeare's time. The water-tower ...

1610s
Jodocus Hondius, America, 1619 Map of the Americas - whole map, hand-coloured.
Jodocus Hondius, America, 1619 Map of the Americas - whole map, hand-coloured.

The Americas in the reign of James I, Shakespeare’s patron. Courtiers of ...

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Donor ref:SR/OS Flat storage 87.7 [27,140] (33/10671)

Source: Shakespeare Birthplace Trust - Library

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