Cruchley's New Plan of London (Triptych) circa 1832

This map was first published in 1832. Extending from Hammersmith in the west to the East India docks in the east and Pentonville in the north to Walworth in the south. This fine map extends further west than many of the period to take in developments at Hammersmith. London was rapidly extending at this time and that rate would increase further as the railways began to spread but it was still only a short walk from Hyde Park to open fields.

George Frederick Cruchley (1796 - 1880) was a map publisher in the middle part of the 19th century, setting up his business in the early 1820's. His maps were clear and well engraved and he was very successful throughout his business career, finally selling his stock in 1877, three years before his death.

When this map was published:

In London in 1833 a law was passed that prohibited employment of children under 9 years of age & limited the hours children aged 9 to 13 could work to 9 hours a day. In America Virginia rejects the abolition of slavery. The Factory Act of 1833 was intended to stop the mistreatment of children in workplaces and improve the conditions of their employment. Children aged 13 - 18 were to work no longer than 12 hours a day and no child was to work at night. Children were to attend school for two hours a day. ‘Mudlarks’ was a term used to describe the children who scavenged for items of value, or anything that could be sold, on the banks of the River Thames.