An Exact Surveigh of the streets lanes and churches contained within the ruins of the City of London
An Exact Surveigh of the streets lanes and churches contained within the ruins of the City of London
Record No
346451
Title
An Exact Surveigh of the streets lanes and churches contained within the ruins of the City of London
Description
This is the only known copy of the first edition of John Leake’s map (or ‘surveigh’) of the fire damaged city. Paper maps do not like heavy handling and the intensity of discussion, widespread interest, planning and plotting for rebuilding after the Great Fire of London of 1666 may explain why no other copy has survived.

It is based on a larger, but now lost six sheet survey by Leake (and others) which the City of London Corporation had commissioned in the weeks following the fire in order to help them appraise damage, and assess the task ahead.

A drawn version (in The British Library) shows the impressive standards of recording achieved by the surveyors working in the smoking ruins. Road widths are measured and the smallest alleys noted. The version exhibited here is more decorative benefitting from the intricately detailed work of Wenceslaus Hollar (1607-1677). His charming ‘birds – eye’ picture houses in the unscathed areas giving the feel of what was lost.
Date of execution
1667
Section
London Metropolitan Archives
Collection
Metropolitan Maps
Engraver
Hollar, Wenceslaus (1607-1677); Leake, John (fl.1666)
Publisher
Hollar, Wenceslaus (1607-1677)
Medium
etching
Support
paper
Longest dimension
81cm
Picture type
map/plan
Catalogue No
SC_PM_LC_01_02_010
Subjects
Buy this image

You can obtain a high-quality print of this image to hang on you wall at home using the form below. The frame you see in the photographs is for illustrative purposes. We only sell the print or poster. You can also purchase a digital file and a usage licence from a wide range of options including editorial and academic uses and product sales.

We aim to process all orders within 5 working days.

Once you have selected your options, the total price will be displayed at the bottom of the page. This includes the cost of the print or digital file, and the cost of the usage licence you have selected (where applicable).

If your usage is not listed, please contact us.

Please note that all licences obtained from the London Picture Archive are subject to our Image Usage Licence Terms and Conditions. Please read the terms and conditions before proceeding with your purchase.

Required information
Media options

Please select your required print size or digital file format. If you require a larger print or file size please contact us.