By 1800, London was regarded as the world's greatest city, at the centre of the world's greatest empire. London: Hub of the Industrial Revolution examines this and also explores how London was at the heart of the Industrial Revolution. Traditionally, historians have regard the city as a minor player in the Industrial Revolution but, in this book, David Barnett argues that the capital was at the forefront of industrial development, providing financial aid and essential services to other towns and cities.

Based on original archival material, including insurance records and trade directories, this book paints a portrait of London during a period of rapid and unprecedented development as the world's first great modern industrial city.