The INTRODUCTION presents perspectives on English towns and cities by commentators at different periods, and features in particular FitzStephen's "Description of London".

The COMMUNITY section addresses various aspects of social life: what defined membership in the community and what were its privileges and obligations; social institutions; religious attitudes; communal events and activities (e.g. recreational); antisocial behaviour; the construction and maintenance of the physical fabric including the provision of urban amenities and public services.

The ECONOMY section explores the conduct of commercial and industrial activities, locally, regionally, and internationally, and the regulation of commerce and labour by national and local governments as well as by gilds.

The GOVERNMENT section examines constitutional development and political activities in towns, and looks at some of the key functions of government: the maintenance of law and order, the protection of the populace, and fiscal administration.

The LIFECYCLE section focuses on the individual and aspects of personal life: childhood and education; marriage; careers and the accumulation of worldly goods; health; retirement and death. Women's rights and roles in society are also considered here.