War, Plague & Fire

1550s-1660s

People's City gallery

1850s - 1940s

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.

Not to be missed on your visit

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The remarkable wooden walls of the cell reveal the graffiti of the prisoners.

Wellclose Square debtors' cell, c.1750

People who owed money were imprisoned here until they could repay their debts. 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.

Recreation of Vauxhall Pleasure Gardens

As London became more built up in the 17th and 18th centuries, Londoners began to need open spaces to relax in. Privately run Pleasure Gardens sprung up around the city.

Rhinebeck panorama of London, c.1806

This detailed bird's-eye view of London looks west over the city.

Nelson’s sword of honour, 1798

The Corporation of London presented this bejewelled honorary sword to Admiral Lord Nelson in 1800.

The Blackett dolls’ house, c.1760

The wallpapers, fabrics and furniture of this dolls’ house show the lifestyle of a wealthy family.

Ann Fanshawe’s mantua, 1751-1752

This magnificent gown was worn by Ann Fanshawe, when her father Crisp Gascoyne became Lord Mayor of the City of London in November 1753.

Learn about London high society

This display features fans and duelling pistols - objects used by the nobility and gentry of London, whose luxurious lifestyle was occasionally mixed with lethal duels of honour.

Newgate prison door, c.1780

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 'Mutiny'.

Painting Eastward Ho! August 1857, Henry Nelson O’Neill

This painting depicts soldiers boarding a ship at Gravesend destined to fight in the First Indian War of Independence. Purchased with the assistance of the Heritage Lottery Fund and the Art Fund.

Uncover the history beneath your feet

Underfloor displays showcase the everyday history of London recorded in recorded in objects found during excavations, from pots and bottles to bones and silver.

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

An engraving depicting animals from the Royal Menagerie at Exeter Change in the Strand. Included are an elephant, a rhinoceros, a zebra, leopards, lions, tigers, monkeys, kangaroos, a sloth, an emu, and a camel.

Read a Regency travellogue

See what a Georgian tourist made of London

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Discover London Through History

Windows on the world: London's print shops

Reflections on London's spirit

Magnum Live Lab: curating the look of London

London votes: Election Day through history

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Reach every London schoolchild

Celebrate the London collection

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