Locating London's Past

This groundbreaking project offers access to the best 18th century map of London, which has been digitised and cross-referenced with the first Ordnance Survey map of the city. Users can also access geographically-referenced data sources on 18th century London life - a pivotal period in the development of city as we know it today.

John Rocque's 'Survey of London Westminster and Southwark' was released in 1747 and is considered to be the best available 18th century map of London. In conjunction with the first Ordnance Survey map of London (1863-1880), the interactive map uses Google Maps technology to display geographically-pinpointed information about London's past. Users can search across an array of information, such as data from the Museum of London's archaeological finds, accounts of trials from London's world-famous Old Bailey, primary sources relating to crime, poverty and social policy and other collections of information regarding population statistics and voting records.

This is a description of an online resource . Online Resources are websites that describe, interpret and provide access to archives. They often provide access to digital content but they may also describe physical materials. They usually cover a theme or topic, such as an individual, a movement, or an important historical event.

Access this resource online: https://www.locatinglondon.org/

A Jisc funded digitisation initiative. Publisher: University of Hertfordshire, Institute of Historical Research, University of London & University of Sheffield

The wide reach of the project means that anyone studying sociology, anthropology, statistics, social history, population analysis, geography and data visualisation will all find this website of value. The project is unique in its approach and the array of information it offers on broad topics such as crime and punishment, death rates, ownership of consumer goods and lifestyle in 18th century London.

All users can access the freely-available website for Locating London's past. The map can be explored to the same degree as any other Google map, plus users can also search the collection of datasets and then choose how to map the selected information. Video walkthroughs of the map and mapping process, plus written detail on the project's background and sources are also available on the Locating London's Past website.