Welcome back to Ye Olde Guide, where we uncover the layered history of England’s towns and cities. In this episode, we journey through the transformative Tudor and Stuart period (c.1500–1700), a time often skipped over in popular imagination—but one that laid the groundwork for the urban England we know today.

Following our exploration of medieval town life, we now delve into an era of upheaval and innovation. From the seismic shifts of the Reformation to the chaos of the English Civil War, this was a time when towns were shaped as much by fire, plague, and poverty as they were by emerging ideas in architecture, planning, and culture.

We examine:

• Why this period matters: Often overshadowed by the grandeur of Georgian design, this era bridges the muddy medieval streets and the structured elegance of later urban planning.
• Urban life and growth: Towns expanded, populations surged, and the earliest signs of modern urbanisation began to appear.
• Political and religious upheaval: The dissolution of monasteries, The Civil War, and the Restoration all left lasting marks on urban society.
• Cultural renaissance: Shakespeare, Bacon, and Newton emerged as England caught up with—and began to surpass—the classical world in science and the arts.
• Social realities: Life was short, cities were young, and the spectres of disease and starvation loomed large. Yet, amid the hardship, towns began to evolve.

We also spotlight London’s pioneering urban experiments—that hinted at the neoclassical ideals to come.

This episode knits together a complex and often overlooked chapter in England’s urban story. It’s a tale of resilience, reinvention, and the roots of modernity.

Send us a text