The Fleet: Its Rivers, Prison, and Marriages

"The Fleet: Its Rivers, Prison, and Marriages" by John Ashton is a journey into forgotten aspects of London's past, focusing on the River Fleet, its infamous prison, and the unconventional marriages tied to the area. Ashton unearths the River Fleet's story from its days as a vital waterway to its decline into a polluted ditch, examining how urban growth stole its purpose. From discussing the river's origins and the lively activities along its banks to revealing the darker stories of the Fleet Prison and the scandalous marriages performed there, Ashton creates a picture of a past London.