Expert: Joseph Logue - 3/4/2004

Question
I am writing a 20-page undergraduate research paper on Tudor London - the conception/perception of the "city" at the time, and its role in the evolution of British national identity.  Looking for good primary sources on city life from this period.  Have been scouring libraries and internet, and am getting overwhelmed.  Thought you might know of some good sources off-hand you could recommend (print or electronic) to help me narrow it down a bit.  Thanks in advance,  Kristi.

Answer
Hello Kristi,

20 pages? Ouch. From your question, I think you are interested in the history of the idea of the city itself in general, and of London in particular.

Primary sources can be difficult, as the majority of course are in England.  A good place to start is the Public Record Office of the National Archives (www.pro.gov.uk).  I haven't done much rooting around the site myself, but it's a start.

For secondary sources, which will give you more traditional histories, consider the following authors:

Guy, John ("Tudor England")
Kishlansky, Mark ("A Monarchy Transformed") -- a bit later than your period, but very interesting
"The London Encyclopedia," Ben Weinreb / Christopher Hibbert, eds.
Wheatley, Henry Benjamin ("London, Past and Present: Its Histories, Associations, and Traditions")
Hibbert, Christopher ("London:  The Biography of a City")

Also, for population trends, census figures, etc., look for gazettes.  Ulrich's or the MLA Guide to Periodicals may lead you to scholarly journals that deal with your subject.  The titles you find may be a bit obscure, but large city libraries and many universities often have full-text access to the indexed articles.  Ask the Reference Librarian for guidance or help in locating the materials.

Good luck on your search, Kristi.  Let me know if I have been of help, or if I can be in the future.

Joseph Logue