Following the devastating fire of 1666, numerous proposals were put forth for rebuilding London. One such plan came from Sir John Evelyn, a renowned writer, diarist, and gardener. Another came from Sir Christopher Wren, a scientist, astronomer, and one of the greatest English architects. His accomplishments include 53 London churches, including St. Paul's Cathedral. He was additionally a founder of the Royal Society and served as its president 1680-82. Published over 100 years after the fire, this lot of two maps by Walter Harrison includes one map illustrating Evelyn's plan and one showing Wren's. Neither man's proposal was accepted by King Charles II, but each suggests a fascinating London that might have been.

From Harrison's History of London, circa 1775:
A. Sir John Evelyn's Plan for Rebuilding the City of London After the Great Fire in 1666, (11.4 x 5.4"). Condition: Issued folding with printer's ink residue, a minor mis-fold, and a narrow right margin. (A)
B. Sr. Cristopher Wren's Plan for Rebuilding the City of London After the Dreadfull Conflagration in 1666, (10.7 x 6.9"). Condition: A dark impression with a couple spots of foxing, trimmed close to the neatline at top. (A)

From Noorthouck's History of London, circa 1772:
A. Mr. John Evelyn's Plan for Rebuilding the City of London After the Great Fire in 1666, (11.7 x 5.6). Condition: Issued folding with a crisp impression, faint offsetting, and minor creasing at right. There is a short tear in bottom blank margin that has been closed on verso with archival tape. (B+)
B. Sir Christopher Wren's Plan for Rebuilding the City of London After the Great Fire in 1666, (11.7 x 5.6). Condition: Issued folding with a crisp impression, faint offsetting, and minor creasing at right. A short tear in bottom blank margin and a fold separation at right have both been closed on verso with archival tape. (B+)

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Condition:

See description above.