The City of London: a Dark Past
- Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience starts.
- Guided walk with qualified City of London Guide.
- Presentations on historical context, anecdotes, explanations, suggestions on further visits.
- Food and drink not included.
- No public transport used during the tour, as this is a guided walk.
- Guided walk with qualified City of London Guide.
- Presentations on historical context, anecdotes, explanations, suggestions on further visits.
- Food and drink not included.
- No public transport used during the tour, as this is a guided walk.
Discover the more sinister aspects of our capital's past, from savage clashes between the Roman Empire and British tribes, through the violent executions of the Middle Ages and the bloody religious persecutions of the Tudors and Stuarts, all the way into the stories of murder in the Modern Age, and the wars that left a lasting mark on our City.
This is a walk for people with a penchant for the darker aspects of history. Simply put, we will hear a lot about death on this itinerary: from bloody revolts that changed the political landscapes, to tragic events such as plagues and fires that wiped out up to a half of London's population or left most of its citizens homeless. I will take you through stories of crime and punishment, but also punishment without crime, as we learn about public executions of notorious individuals and how they would have been perceived by thee public.
On this tour, we will explore the traces of both heroes and villains who did some dark deeds. We will hear the stories of people who suffered violent death for their beliefs, as well as individuals who committed violent murder for financial gain or out of pure sadism, and learn how and if they were held accountable. We will learn about the heritage that these people left behind, as we walk in their footsteps through the narrow alleys of the City, and venture into the infamous East End, where for a very long time, poverty and crime worked together to create one of the most feared neighbourhoods of London.
Step into the unsavoury sides of the City's past, and get to know how medieval people coped with death, how execution was entertainment, how scientific research sometimes involved a sinister breach of cemetery etiquette, and how some of the most violent of events helped to uncover secret treasures of London that we can see today.
- All Hallows by the Tower, oldest church in the City
- Charterhouse, former Plague cemetery
- Paternoster Square and the City's last surviving gate
- St Bartholomew the Great, former Medieval priory
- Thames River and the City's oldest bridge
The meeting point may vary. Always check the tickets we sent you to confirm the final details before the activity.
Not suitable for
- Children under 10 years
Know before you go
- Please note, on this walk we will mention topics such as murder, severe illness, and there will occasionally be detailed descriptions of death and injury. The presentation can be given in a lighter, child-friendly manner, but it is the responsibility of the adults accompanying children to decide whether the tour is appropriate for them.
