About this book
John Leland's groundbreaking Itinerary stands as one of England's earliest comprehensive geographical surveys, documenting his remarkable journeys through England and Wales between 1535 and 1543. Part IX of this historical masterwork begins in southern England and progressively traces a county-by-county path northward, traversing the Midlands and reaching toward the Scottish borderlands during a transformative period in English history.
Originally compiled as raw field notes rather than polished prose, Leland's manuscript captures an England still largely unmapped and mysterious to its own inhabitants. His meticulous observations record abbeys, castles, towns, and landscapes with the precision of an early gazetteer, offering invaluable insights into Tudor-era geography, architecture, and local customs. While the raw manuscript occasionally shifts between topics and includes Latin passages, it authentically preserves the voice of a scholar documenting his nation's physical and cultural landscape.
This non-fiction travel narrative reveals how sixteenth-century England appeared to an educated observer during the reign of Henry VIII—a time of religious upheaval and geographical rediscovery. Leland's inconsistent spellings and occasionally fragmented structure add historical authenticity rather than detract from its value.
Perfect for history enthusiasts, genealogy researchers, and anyone fascinated by Tudor England, this audiobook offers an intimate window into a pivotal moment when the English came to know their own country for the first time.
