Stow, who was a tailor by trade, was recognized in his day as an accomplished antiquarian and historian, and published several works that were much appreciated by learned people, including the scholarly archbishop Matthew Parker. However, his name has come down to us through his one surviving book, the Survey of London. Stow’s hobby consisted of minutely observing the London of his times during the reign of Queen Elizabeth and writing details of every church and public building, every square and street and alley. His laborious and exacting Survey was produced, literally, in his spare time. Born in 1525 in the parish of St Michael’s, Cornhill, he lived and worked most of his days in a house near Aldgate Pump.
Near the end of Stow’s life King James I was made aware that the distinguished old man was in financial need, but James merely authorized him to collect ‘voluntary contributions and kind gratuities’— in other words, to beg. He died in poverty in 1605. Later his widow had a terra cotta monument placed over his grave in St Andrew Undershaft, where it may be seen to this day. It portrays him seated, feather pen in hand, with a book before him, and though squat and stiff it is said to be a good likeness. Each year a ceremony of replacing the pen is held by the Corporation of London, and the old pen is given to the author of the best essay on the City.