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Museum of London
Permanent galleries

Expanding City

1670s-1850s

Discover a city rebuilding itself after the Great Fire

After the Great Fire, London soon became the world’s largest city and Britain’s biggest manufacturing centre. Not every Londoner enjoyed this prosperity. Those who became bankrupt ended up in debtors' prisons.

  • The remarkable wooden walls of the cell reveal the graffiti of the prisoners.
  • Recreation of Vauhxall Pleasure Gardens in the Expanding City Gallery at the Museum of London.
  • This detailed bird
  • The Corporation of London presented this bejewelled honorary sword to Admiral Lord Nelson in 1800.
  • The wallpapers, fabrics and furniture of this dolls’ house show the lifestyle of a wealthy family.
  • This magnificent gown was worn by Ann Fanshawe, when her father Crisp Gascoyne became Lord Mayor of the City of London in November 1753.
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  • This heavy iron clad oak door comes from the inner courtyard where the prisoners exercised.
  • This painting depicts soldiers boarding a ship at Gravesend destined to fight in the First Indian War of Independence, or Indian
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Not to be missed on your visit

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Gallery access

The gallery is open during the museum's normal hours:

10.00am - 5.40pm

The gallery is on the lower ground floor and can be accessed by lift.

Entry free, no ticket required.

Expanding City also of interest

A guided tour through an area packed with medieval and Tudor history.

Smithfield tour

A guided tour through an area packed with medieval and Tudor history.

Book a tour
Walk

Take a walking tour

See London's history on the city streets with our fascinating tours.

Plan your visit
The famous London Stone on display at the Museum of London.

London Stone in seven strange myths

See the famous and mysterious London Stone on display in the galleries

Find out more