You are invited to spend a spring morning exploring some of London’s early eighteenth century libraries. This walk will follow in the footsteps of bookseller and antiquary John Bagford, whose An account of several libraries in and about London, for the satisfaction of the curious, both natives and foreigners was published in 1708. John Bagford was at the centre of London’s book trade, selling collections and helping form new ones. In the process he created a unique record of the libraries that operated in the city he loved. 

Alice Ford-Smith will guide you through the streets and alleyways of John Bagford’s London, introducing this book history pioneer and the libraries he knew so well. 

End point: Barbican

This event is organised in association with CILIP London.