Our collection of City of London ward maps offers a remarkable window into the political, commercial, and architectural fabric of the historic Square Mile. These maps, often published for important 18th- and 19th-century surveys and histories, detail the individual wards—the ancient administrative divisions that still define the City today. Notable contributions include finely engraved maps by Benjamin Cole, Thomas Bowen, and William Thornton, many originally published in works such as Maitland’s History and Survey of London, Thornton’s Survey, and Stow’s and Strype’s Surveys of London. These plans chart parish churches, livery halls, markets, and key institutions, offering insight into both governance and daily life in the City. Highly decorative and often including coats of arms and legend keys, ward maps are prized for their blend of artistry and urban history—capturing London in its pre-modern form, before large-scale redevelopment.
