Rare Old Map of London, 'A Plan for Rebuilding After The Great Fire' by Gwynn, 1749: St. Paul's, Monument, London Bridge

Embark on a journey through time with the illustrious "A Plan For Rebuilding The City of London After The Great Fire in 1666; Design'd By That Great Architect Sr. Christopher Wren; and Approv'd of By King and Parliament, But Unhappily Defeated By Faction." This thematic map, crafted by the renowned surveyor and mapmaker John Gwynn in 1749, presents a visionary proposal by Sir Christopher Wren, one of history's most celebrated architects. Wren's ambitious plan, though never realized, aimed to transform the City of London in the aftermath of the devastating Great Fire of 1666. This map not only showcases the proposed new layout of streets and buildings but also serves as a window into the early concepts of city planning and the grandeur that London could have embraced.

John Gwynn, an eminent figure in 18th-century London for his cartographic prowess, offers through this map a glimpse into what could have been an architectural renaissance for the city. The map details the layout of proposed streets, parks, and public squares, echoing the classical influences that Wren admired during his studies in Paris and Rome. Among the notable features are the envisioned landmarks such as the Cathedral Church of St. Paul and The Monument, alongside the strategic placement of bridges spanning the River Thames, from the Tower Bridge to the Kew Bridge, indicating a thorough reimagining of London's urban landscape.

The River Thames, a lifeline for the city, is prominently featured, alongside Wren's proposal for a Thameside quay stretching from Bridewell to the Tower. This ambitious plan aimed to replace the haphazard wooden structures with orderly warehouses, showcasing a blend of functionality and aesthetic appeal. The map also highlights significant neighborhoods such as Westminster, Southwark, and Chelsea, and vast green spaces like St. James's Park and Hyde Park, illustrating a city that balances the bustle of urban life with the tranquility of nature.

Delving deeper into the map, one discovers the intricate network of streets that were to define the new London. From the bustling Cheapside to the serene Lincoln's Inn Fields, each road was a thread in the tapestry of Wren's vision. The shading on the map indicates the areas most affected by the Great Fire, providing a stark reminder of the city's resilience and the transformative power of architecture. This map is not merely a cartographic document; it is a testament to the undying spirit of London and the bold dreams that shape our urban landscapes.

This map stands as one of the rarest and most fascinating artifacts of Christopher Wren's architectural legacy, a fine example of what could have been a defining moment in the history of city planning. With a dedication from John Gwynn to the Lord Mayor and the City of London, and enriched with detailed notes and an explanation of Wren's proposal, this map is a treasure trove of historical and architectural insights. It offers not just a vision of London reborn from the ashes of the Great Fire but a reflection on the paths not taken, the plans that remain on paper, yet forever alter our understanding of what a city can aspire to be.

Streets and roads on this map

• Aldersgate
• Aldgate
• Bishopsgate
• Broad Street
• Chancery Lane
• Cheapside
• Chick Lane
• Clerkenwell
• Cornhill
• Cripplegate
• Cursitors Alley
• Dowgate
• Fetter Lane
• Fleet Bridge
• Fleet Street
• Gracechurch Street
• Great Tower Hill
• Hatton Street
• Holborn
• Holborn Bridge
• Leadenhall Street
• Lime Street
• Lincoln's Inn Fields
• Lombard Street
• Ludgate Hill
• Ludgate Piazza
• Mark Lane
• Newgate Street
• Oxford Street
• Paternoster Row
• Piccadilly
• Queen Street
• Royal Exchange
• St. Paul's Churchyard
• St. Paul's Piazza
• Shoe Lane
• Smithfield
• Snow Hill
• Temple Bar
• Thames Street
• Tower Hill
• Tower Street
• Wood Street

Notable Features & Landmarks

• The Cathedral Church of St. Paul
• The Monument
• The Tower of London
• The Royal Exchange
• The Custom House
• The Post Office
• The Guildhall
• The Mansion House
• The Bank of England
• The Royal Mint
• The London Bridge

Historical and design context

• The map is titled "A Plan For Rebuilding The City of London After The Great Fire in 1666; Design'd By That Great Architect Sr. Christopher Wren; and Approv'd of By King and Parliament, But Unhappily Defeated By Faction."
• Created by John Gwynn in 1749.
• John Gwynn was a surveyor and mapmaker known for his maps of London.
• Shows the proposed plan for rebuilding the City of London after the Great Fire of 1666.
• Designed by Sir Christopher Wren, a prominent architect of the time.
• Wren's plan was never implemented but is considered an important example of early city planning.
• The map shows the layout of the proposed new streets and buildings, as well as the location of public spaces such as parks and squares.
• Includes a key that explains the symbols used on the map.
• A valuable historical document providing insight into the early history of city planning in London.
• One of the rarest of Christopher Wren's proposed plans for rebuilding London.
• Fine reduced example of Christopher Wren's plan, engraved by Edward Rooker.
• Includes two panels with notes on Wren's proposal and an explanation to the plan.
• The shading indicates the area destroyed in the Great Fire.
• Wren was a Professor of Astronomy at Oxford with an interest in the science of architecture.
• The narrow streets that had helped spread the fires have been replaced by monumental avenues radiating from piazzas in the plan.
• Wren's classical buildings and formal street plans were influenced by his studies in Paris and Rome.
• He also proposed constructing a Thameside quay from Bridewell to the Tower.

Please double check the images to make sure that a specific town or place is shown on this map. You can also get in touch and ask us to check the map for you.

This map looks great at every size, but I always recommend going for a larger size if you have space. That way you can easily make out all of the details.

This map looks amazing at sizes all the way up to 50in (125cm). If you are looking for a larger map, please get in touch.

The model in the listing images is holding the 18x24in (45x60cm) version of this map.

The fifth listing image shows an example of my map personalisation service.

If you’re looking for something slightly different, check out my collection of the best old maps to see if something else catches your eye.

Please contact me to check if a certain location, landmark or feature is shown on this map.

This would make a wonderful birthday, Christmas, Father's Day, work leaving, anniversary or housewarming gift for someone from the areas covered by this map.

This map is available as a giclée print on acid free archival matte paper, or you can buy it framed. The frame is a nice, simple black frame that suits most aesthetics. Please get in touch if you'd like a different frame colour or material. My frames are glazed with super-clear museum-grade acrylic (perspex/acrylite), which is significantly less reflective than glass, safer, and will always arrive in perfect condition.

For most orders, delivery time is about 3 working days. Personalised and custom made maps take longer, as I have to do the personalisation and send it to you for approval, which usually takes a day or two.

Please note that for larger framed orders (over 40in/100cm), and some other framed sizes, the delivery time will be closer to 7-10 days.

If you need your order to arrive by a certain date, please contact me before you order so that we can find the best way of making sure you get your order in time.

I print and frame maps in 22 countries around the world. This means your map will be made locally, which cuts down on delivery time and reduces the chance of your map being damaged during delivery. There won't be any extra taxes or duties to pay, and we'll put less CO2 into the air.

All of my maps are well packaged and sent in a rugged tube if unframed, or surrounded by foam if framed.

I try to send out all maps within 1 or 2 days of receiving your order, though some products (like face masks or mugs) can take longer to make.

If you select Express Delivery at checkout your order we will prioritise your order and send it out by 1-day courier (Fedex, DHL, UPS, Parcelforce).

We can sometimes do next-day delivery if you order before 10am. But usually it's best to contact me first before you order.

Read my full delivery and local production guide

My standard frame is a gallery style black ash hardwood frame. It is simple and quite modern looking. My standard frame is around 20mm (0.8in) wide.

I use super-clear acrylic (perspex/acrylite) for the frame glass. It's lighter and safer than glass - and it looks better, as the reflectivity is lower.

Six standard frame colours are available for free (black, dark brown, dark grey, oak, white and antique gold). Custom framing and mounting/matting is available if you're looking for something else.

Most maps are also available as a framed canvas. The map is printed on matte (not shiny) canvas, stretched over a box frame, and then 'floated' within a simple wood frame. The end result is quite beautiful, and there's no glazing in front of your map.

All frames are provided "ready to hang", with either a string or brackets on the back. Very large frames will have heavy duty hanging plates and/or a mounting baton. If you have any questions, please get in touch.

See some examples of my framed maps and framed canvas maps.

Alternatively, I can also supply old maps on canvas, foam board, cotton rag and other materials.

If you want to frame your map yourself, please read my map size guide first.