I behold London; a Human awful wonder of God!

William Blake (1757-1827), Jerusalem

The Filth, Sir, of some Parts of the Town, and the Inequality and Ruggedness of others, cannot but in the Eyes of Foreigners disgrace our Nation, and incline them to imagine us a People, not only without Delicacy, but without Government.

Lord Tyrconnell (1750-1805)

Forget six counties overhung with smoke, / Forget the snorting and piston stroke, / Forget the spreading of the hideous town; / Think rather of the pack-horse on the down, / And dream of London, small, and white, and clean.

William Morris (1834-1896)

Hell is a city much like London – A populous and a smoky city.

Percy Bysshe Shelley (1792-1822)

I love thee, London! for thy many men, / And for thy mighty deeds and scenes of glory.

Philip James Bailey (1816-1902), London, The Angel World and Other Poems