Burnings, Butchery & Black Death: London’s Bloody Past

Discover Burnings, Butchery & Black Death: London’s Bloody Past, a 2-hour guided walking tour that costs $26.94 per person and covers about two miles through some of the city’s most historically gruesome spots. Starting just outside Barbican Station and ending near Farringdon Station, this tour offers a deep dive into London’s more violent and eerie history. With a maximum group size of fifteen participants, it promises an intimate experience led by a knowledgeable guide who combines facts, myths, and humor to keep things engaging.

This tour is ideal for history enthusiasts eager to uncover London’s darker chapters, from medieval execution methods to the disposal of Black Death victims. It’s a highly rated experience with a perfect 5/5 from six reviews, praised for its interesting storytelling and the guide’s expertise. The tour is suitable for those aged 13 and older, and provides a fascinating way to explore the city’s past within a compact, well-paced walk.

Key Points

• Cost and Duration: Just $26.94 per person for a 2-hour tour covering about 2 miles.
• Starting Point: Meets outside Barbican Station on Aldersgate Street.
• Main Focus: London’s history of public executions, Black Death corpse disposal, and medieval slaughterhouses.
• Highlights: Visit Smithfield Market, St John’s Gate, Cloth Fair, St Bartholomew’s Church, William Wallace Memorial, and Golden Boy of Pye Corner.
• Expert Guide: Guides are well-informed, blending historical facts, myths, and humor.
• Limited Group Size: Only fifteen participants maximum, ensuring a personal experience.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Starting Outside Barbican Station and the Meeting Point

The tour begins outside Barbican Station, where a guide holding an Historic London Tours sign welcomes participants. This spot on Aldersgate Street makes for a convenient and recognizable meeting point. The tour concludes near Farringdon Station, completing a walk through some of London’s most notorious historical sites.

This straightforward logistics setup makes it easy to plan your day around the experience. Since the tour ends near a major transport hub, it’s simple to continue exploring or head back to your accommodation afterward.

Exploring Smithfield: A Site of Medieval Slaughter and Eighteenth-Century Slums

The Smithfield area is at the heart of this tour, famous for centuries as London’s site of both animal and human slaughter. Participants learn about how the area was used for executions during the Middle Ages, with details on different medieval execution methods. The Smithfield Market itself, still active today, is highlighted as a vital historic trading spot.

The tour reveals how Smithfield evolved into a notorious slum, with Dickens setting parts of Oliver Twist in this gritty environment. This connection to literary history enriches the understanding of how the area’s reputation persisted across centuries. The guides emphasize these transformations, illustrating the layers of London’s past that are still visible today.

Key Stops: From St John’s Gate to Pye Corner

The itinerary includes short guided stops at twelve historic sites, each lasting about five minutes. Starting at Charterhouse Square, the tour moves through key locations like St John’s Gate, Cloth Fair, and St Bartholomew the Great. The stops are carefully selected to showcase landmarks connected to London’s darker history.

Each site offers insight into different aspects of the city’s past: from churches that may be visited if not holding services, to memorials like the William Wallace statue, and Pye Corner, where the Great Fire of London is remembered with the Golden Boy of Pye Corner statue. These stops combine history, legend, and the physical remnants of London’s violent episodes.

Learning About London’s Black Death and Execution Methods

One of the tour’s most compelling features is its focus on how the city disposed of thousands of Black Death victims in the 1300s. The detailed accounts of corpse disposal showcase the scale of medieval London’s response to the pandemic. The guide describes execution methods used during the Middle Ages, giving a visceral picture of justice and punishment in bygone eras.

This historical context helps visitors understand the severity and brutality of medieval life, especially in a city that faced recurring crises like plagues and uprisings. The discussion about the Golden Boy of Pye Corner memorial provides a sobering reminder of London’s efforts to remember such tragedies.

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William Wallace and the Role of Historic Memorials

The Sir William Wallace Memorial on the tour spotlights the Scottish hero famously associated with independence and bravery. Despite Wallace being in no fit state to shout “Freeeedoooommmm!” during his execution, his memorial remains a notable landmark. The guide explains his historical significance and why he’s memorialized in London.

This stop adds a broader perspective on how historical figures are commemorated amid London’s darker past. The tour’s narrative helps connect these memorials to the larger story of London’s violent and turbulent history.

Visiting Historic Churches and Markets

The tour grants entry to churches like St Bartholomew the Great and St Bartholomew’s Hospital, providing a glimpse into religious and medical history. These sites are visited if they’re not in use for services, adding a sense of authenticity and peaceful contrast to the gruesome stories.

Participants also see London Central Markets (Smithfield Market) — still bustling today — which underscores the area’s long-standing role as a hub of commerce and meat trading. The blend of historic and lively market environments showcases how London’s past and present coexist in this lively district.

The Guide’s Style: Combining Facts, Myths, and Humor

Reviews highlight the guide’s expertise and engaging storytelling style. The guide combines historical facts, myths, and humor, making the two-hour walk both educational and entertaining. This approach keeps the atmosphere light despite the dark subject matter, making the experience accessible and memorable.

The guide’s ability to answer questions clearly and explain complex historical details is praised. The small group size ensures personalized attention, allowing for questions and interactions that deepen understanding.

Practical Tips for Attendees

The tour involves walking about 2 miles over roughly two hours, so comfortable shoes are recommended. Since church visits depend on services, flexibility may be needed. The tour is not suitable for children under 13, due to the mature content.

Booking allows free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and offers a reserve now, pay later option, perfect for flexible travel plans. Since the tour is limited to fifteen participants, early booking is advised to secure a spot.

Why This Tour Stands Out in London’s Historic Offerings

While many London tours focus on iconic landmarks like the Tower or Westminster, this experience emphasizes the city’s darker, less polished history. It’s perfect for those interested in medieval justice, plague history, and urban decay, all told through a well-informed, humorous guide.

This tour offers a unique glimpse into the visceral realities of London’s past, blending physical sites with vivid storytelling. Its affordability and compact duration make it a compelling choice for history buffs seeking something different from typical sightseeing.

The Sum Up: A Gritty, Engaging Dive into London’s Bloody Past

Burnings, Butchery & Black Death provides a thought-provoking look at London’s more violent episodes, all within two engaging hours. The small group size and knowledgeable guide ensure an intimate and informative experience. The tour’s focus on key historic sites like Smithfield Market, St John’s Gate, and Pye Corner makes it a rich, layered journey through centuries of turmoil.

This tour suits those curious about medieval justice, plague history, and London’s darker stories. The mix of factual storytelling, myths, and humor ensures it’s both educational and fun. While the content can be intense, it’s presented in a way that’s accessible and compelling, perfect for visitors wanting a deeper understanding of London’s more sinister chapters.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does the tour last?
The tour lasts approximately two hours.

What is the total walking distance?
The total walking distance is about two miles.

Where does the tour start and end?
It begins just outside Barbican Station on Aldersgate Street and ends near Farringdon Station.

Is the tour suitable for children?
The tour is not suitable for children under 13 years old.

Are churches visited during the tour?
Church visits depend on whether they are holding services; access is granted if no services are in progress.

What is included in the price?
The ticket includes a guided walking tour and entry to churches (if available).

Can I cancel my booking?
Yes, free cancellation is possible up to 24 hours in advance.

How many people are in each group?
Group sizes are limited to fifteen participants for a more personal experience.

Are there any specific dress recommendations?
Comfortable shoes are advised for the 2-mile walk.

What makes this tour different from others?
This tour emphasizes London’s darker history — from Black Death to medieval executions — told through an engaging, humorous guide.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby