In 1952 Stockholm celebrated its seven hundredth anniversary with great ceremony. What historical basis was there for this event? When and how did Stockholm really come into being? Was the town the result of a conscious act of foundation in 1253, built to a predetermined plan? Or did it grow up spontaneously with no prior planning? If the former is true, what town was Stockholm modelled on and whose idea was it? In the latter case, what factors governed the street grid and the block divisions?