Social and Economic Study of Medieval London. Final Report to ESRC on Stage 2 (Aldgate Project)

The aim of the research was to investigate the character and development of the eastern suburb of the city of London from the time of the earliest detailed written records (c.1100) up to the Great Fire of 1666. This was to be done by reconstructing the history and topography of the houses, gardens and other properties in the area so that it would be possible to trace changing patterns in the use of land and buildings and in the social and occupational character of those who owned and used them. The work builds on that of Stage 1 of the project (five parishes in the Cheapside area of London). This report outlines, the methodology, sources and data collected, together with conclusions arising from the study.