That's the Survey of London series of tomes. The series runs to dozens of volumes. They've just brought out their latest. It's on Clerkenwell. Here's what they say by way of introducing that "richly intricate district of the capital".
"Today Southern Clerkenwell, just north of the City has become one of London's prized locations. It is home to many in the creative industries, its restaurants and bars are thronged, and its population has been rising for two decades. [It is] surely [one of] London's most fascinating historic districts.
"Clerkenwell's present prosperity is deeply indebted to its past. Its density of development, its patterns of land-use and its street layout are all rooted in a long, unbroken history, going back to [12th century] monastic foundations. The continuities in the area's industrial and commercial history are striking, while many of its robust and excellent buildings are now enjoying their second or even their third type of use. We now recognize that the juxtaposition of new and old architecture helps to endow our inner cities with vitality and character. In this respect, Clerkenwell has been exemplary..."
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