From London to Land's End

In this vivid seventeenth‑century road diary, a curious gentleman sets out from bustling London and makes his way to the rugged cliffs of Land’s End. Along the route he records the sights, sounds, and everyday commerce of towns, from cheap pilchard taverns to bustling markets, giving listeners a lively snapshot of life under George I. The narrative is peppered with humorous anecdotes, such as a schoolboy translating the Psalms into his own dialect, and affectionate nods to the spirited women of Dorset.

Beyond the scenery, the traveler reflects on the social issues of his day, proposing a bold scheme to settle Palatinate refugees in the New Forest and commenting on the impact of recent wars on food prices. He also recounts dramatic coastal legends, including the 1703 Great Storm that toppled the original Eddystone lighthouse. All of this is delivered in Defoe’s clear, observational style, inviting listeners to hear England’s past as if they were walking beside him.