With a foreword by Iain Sinclair London is an ancient city whose foundation dates back literally thousands of years into the legendary prehistory of these islands Not surprisingly it has accumulated a large number of stories both historic & mythical during this period many of which though faithfully recorded at the time have lain almost forgotten in dusty libraries throughout the city The Secret Lore of London is a guide to the legends including a discussion of their importance as part of the oral tradition of Britain combining Prehistoric Celtic Arthurian Roman Saxon & Norman levels
- each of which has contributed to the many-layered life of the city The first part contains a unique selection of essays (some printed here for the first time) by experts in their fields each of whom possesses a unique interest in the legends of these islands & who have written widely on associated themes The second part of the book will consist of a Gazetteer of the sites mentioned which are still in existence together with various other sites of associated interest compiled by the Editor the contributors & members of the London Earth Mysteries Group This part will be fully updated & extended to include many more sites The result is a wide ranging & wholly fascinating book with wide sales application possible A series of appendixes will include William Stukley's extraordinary document The Brill which relates to the ancient prehistoric sites around the area of present day St Pancras & excerpts from some of the best known 19th & early 20th century works on Legendary London by Lewis Spence & Harold Bayley Contributors to the book are Nigel Pennick John Matthews Caroline Wise Caitlin Matthews Carol Clancy RJ Stewart Bernard Nesfield-Cookson Gareth Knight Robert Stephenson Geraldine Beskin Chesca Potter William Stukeley Lewis Spence Harold Bayley Alan V Insole Ross Nichols