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This 1766 French plan of London, engraved by French cartographers and published by "le Sr. Desnos, rue St. Jacques, au Globe," offers a detailed representation of the city during the mid-18th century. Laid out with a grid pattern of 35 squares, the map showcases London's urban layout, including its principal streets, public squares, and key landmarks, along with a broader view of surrounding areas that reflect the city's expansion during this period.
The map meticulously illustrates London's dense network of streets, particularly in the central districts near the Thames River. Notable thoroughfares such as Fleet Street, The Strand, and Oxford Street are clearly marked, emphasizing their importance as key commercial and transport arteries of the time.
The Thames River dominates the map, flowing centrally and serving as a vital artery for trade and transportation. The river is crossed by the London Bridge and the Westminster Bridge, the only two crossings at the time, providing a vital connection between the City of London and the southern boroughs such as Southwark. The detailed depiction of docks and wharves along the riverbank reflects the city's role as a major port and commercial hub.
The map extends beyond the urban core, incorporating surrounding areas such as Marylebone, Islington, Hoxton, Lambeth, and Mile End.
![(London) [Eyewitness Watercolor Drawing of the Burning of Her Majesty's Theatre, Covent Garden, on December 6, 1867.]](https://storage.googleapis.com/raremaps/img/small/90852.jpg)
![Bartholomew's Plan of London [London Fire Brigade Instructional Map]](https://storage.googleapis.com/raremaps/img/small/72233.jpg)
