As William Hogarth Fans Know, A Gin Craze Nearly Destroyed 18th Century London VISUAL Posted: February 27, 2017 5:30 amAnd it’s all because Britain was at war with France – which made French brandy hard to come by. Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)Click to email a link to a friend (Opens in new window)