The Environs of London, though
they contain many of the most re-
markable seats and places in the
kingdom, have never before been in-
cluded in any account of that metro-
polis; and we are persuaded, that the
most intelligent enquirer will here
find numberless curiosities, not hi-
therto taken notice of by any other
writers: besides, we have not only
been particular in our descriptions of
whatever is remarkable twenty miles
round; but to assist his observation,
we have added a map, which we
flatter ourselves will be found to have
some advantages over any other that
has yet appeared.  This map, and
these descriptions, will serve both as
a guide and an instructor to the tra-
velling Virtuosi, whether natives or

In order to render the knowledge
of this metropolis as complete as pos-
sible, we have necessarily been obliged,
in conformity with our plan, to treat
of what may to some appear little
and uninteresting, as well as of what
is great and important.  Among these
the citizens are particularly interest-
ed in knowing the extent and limits
of the wards in which they reside:
and it was absolutely necessary to
mention in their proper places all the
several companies that compose their
whole body: and as every inhabitant
of the kingdom may, at one time or
another, have occasion to visit or