The poem is set during a time in England where there was a huge amount of poverty, child labour and a war with France.
At this time, death rates from disease and malnutrition were high.
The industrial revolution meant London became overcrowded and polluted by large, oppressive factories.
Almost half of the children died before the age of two.
In France, they had just thrown off and executed their king.
The 'People's Revolution' was meant to show that all men had power and were equal. In Britain, a country with an old monarchy and aristocracy, this was scary.
Blake is peraps supporting the revolution, asking people to thrown off the 'manacles' of their belief that they should be told what to do.
Many of his poems railed against the establishment.
This poem also laments how London, arguably the greatest city in the world at that time, was so dirty and corrupt.
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London - Blake's Context
Blake rejected religion, particuarly because the church failed to help children in London who were forced to work.
Blake lived in the capital, so he understood the hardships that they faced.
Blake was a radical man, who was frustrated with the world around him.
He was vocal and public about his political views. He was part of a mob that burned down Newgate Prison in the London riots of 1780.
He wanted poeple to challenge the world around them, which was arguably his motive for writing 'London'.
Throughout his life, he claims to have seen various visions. He reportedly saw a tree of angels in Peckham Rise.
Therefore, lots of his poems have a spirtiual or supernatural element.
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London - Extra Context
He was a poet and was specialised in illuminated texts, often of a religious nature.
Blake lived and worked in the capital, well placed to writte about the conditions.
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