Liberty over the Bridge: A History of the People of Southwark with Margaret Willes

Southwark’s fortunes have always been tied to those of the City of London across the river. But from its founding in Roman times through to flourishing in the medieval era, the Borough has always fiercely asserted its independence. A place of licence, largely free of the City’s jurisdiction, Southwark became a constant thorn in London’s side: an administrative anachronism, a commercial rival, and an asylum for undesirable industries and impoverished residents.

In this remarkable history of London’s ‘Liberty over the Bridge’ (taken from the title of her book) Margaret Willes will narrate the life and times of the people of Southwark, capturing the Borough’s anarchic spirit of revelry. Tracing Southwark’s history from its Roman foundation to its present popularity, through Chaucer, to Shakespeare, and on to Dickens, Willes will take us on an indispensable exploration of the City’s unacknowledged mirror image.

The evening will be the book launch for Margaret's title, published by Yale University Press.