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London and the Coronation

4 min read

As one of the oldest cities in the world, London is the historic heart of England. It has evolved into a dynamic and modern place over the years but has not forgotten its heritage. Part of this heritage is London’s centuries old connection to the royal family.

Queen Victoria was the first English sovereign to take up residence in Buckingham Palace in 1837. Her choice was a strategic one due to the palace’s proximity to Parliament. Even before her reign however, London had strong royal connections. The Tower of London, Kensington Palace, Westminster Abbey and were all ‘symbols’ of royal power.

Across the centuries, many books have been written about London and its many enchantments. With the forthcoming coronation of King Charles III in Westminster Abbey – over 900 years since the first document coronation at the Abbey of William the Conqueror – we’ve selected several brilliant books in celebration of London and its fascinating history.




  1. CITIES OF ENCHANTMENT LONDON BY IVOR BROWN

    CITIES OF ENCHANTMENT LONDON BY IVOR BROWN

    This book is a fascinating read for anyone interested in London and its history. The author’s enthusiasm for the city is evident on every page as he describes the unique qualities of England’s capital while also exploring its fascinating past. The cover of this 1960 edition, with its depiction of London under a clear blue sky, certainly captivates the reader and presents a positive image of England’s enchanting capital.

    Shop for vintage books on London at Country House Library →


  2. THE FACE OF LONDON BY HAROLD P.CLUNN

    THE FACE OF LONDON BY HAROLD P.CLUNN

    The Face of Londonis a comprehensive guide to London and its history. Originally published in 1932, it discusses the expansion, destruction and redevelopment of London across an entire century. Harold Clunn – a shipping agent and non-fiction author – demonstrates his extensive knowledge of ‘present day’ London and its changing history on every page. This was just one of several books about London, though he also wrote about Paris and the Home Counties in his Face of… series. Filled with detailed descriptions and images, this book is the perfect guide to London and its past.

    Shop for vintage books published by Spring Books →


  3. THE COMPANION GUIDE TO LONDON BY DAVID PIPER 1974 - BCA

    THE COMPANION GUIDE TO LONDON BY DAVID PIPER 1974 - BCA

    This volume also discusses the beautiful sites and historic intrigue of London. Each chapter discusses a section of London that can easily be walked in a day. The author takes readers on a journey through the London districts, captivating the attention of his readers with references to architecture, art, history and literature. His own enthusiasm for the beauty and history of London shines through his writing and his detailed descriptions build a level of intimacy with his readers. Complete with maps and photographs, this vintage guide is one of the best.

    Browse more books published by Book Club Associates →


  4. THE QUEEN’S GOVERNMENT BY SIR IVOR JENNINGS 1960

    THE QUEEN’S GOVERNMENT BY SIR IVOR JENNINGS 1960

    The ins and outs of British constitutional law can be tricky to grasp. In this book however, Sir Ivor Jennings describes the law and practice and in a digestible way. He lays out British institutions such as the Monarchy, Parliament and Cabinet Government as well as the principles of British democracy and how political systems function. The authoritative tone reveals details about the workings of national and public life under the Queen’s government in a brilliant way. With the reign of King Charles III beginning, it is fascinating to read about the government workings of a bygone era.

    Shop for vintage Pelican books at Country House Library →


  5. KING PENGUIN: UNKNOWN WESTMINSTER ABBEY 1948

    KING PENGUIN: UNKNOWN WESTMINSTER ABBEY 1948

    The first documented coronation to take place at Westminster Abbey was that of William the Conqueror in 1066. Now, over 900 years since this event, King Charles will be the 40th Monarch crowned in this famous building. In Unknown Westminster Abbey, Lawrence E. Tanner reveals some of the secrets of this historic building. From hidden parts to fascinating artefacts, he offers an insight into one of London’s most famous churches. Filled with photographs and intriguing details, it is yet another brilliant book about London.

    Shop for vintage King Penguins at Country House Library →


  6. LONDON RIVER BY H.M. TOMLINSON

    LONDON RIVER BY H.M. TOMLINSON

    London River is the Thames of seamen- the river of ships from the entrance to the sea reach up to the arches of London Bridge. Down the years such ships as the Golden Hind, Cook’s Endeavour barque, the Half Moon, the Blackwall frigates, the great China clippers and Conrad’s Torrens were part of the river; and now their successors, the great ships of today are part of it and present as impressive a spectacle as was ever seen in the docks. This delightful book contains photographs of the charming and ever changing river as well as maps that show the course of the river as it flows through London and out to Sea. London River is a series of stories largely based on growing up near the docks towards the end of the tall ships and clipper era. Comprehensive and detailed.

    Shop for vintage books published by Cassell →


  7. LONDON COLLECTION: THREE VINTAGE BOOKS

    LONDON COLLECTION: THREE VINTAGE BOOKS

    Alone in London by Hesba Stretton presents a different viewpoint of London to those already on this list. It explores the darker side of London in a brilliant though heart-breaking tale. In contrast, Beautiful London by Helmut Gernsheim, presents a series of stunning images of London. Gernsheim was a German photographer and historian whose talent is evident in this volume. Hulmut and his wife Alison wrote many books and dedicated their careers to the history of photography.

    Shop for vintage books about London at Country House Library →




A Royal Celebration

Celebrate the coronation with these fascinating books about London. Learn about famous sights, admire stunning photographs, understand the Britain’s ruling systems and explore centuries of history. Explore the city at the heart of Britain and celebrate not only its royal past but its architectural enchantment and intriguing political and social history.


BROWSE MORE VINTAGE LONDON BOOKS →


 


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