Slavery & City of London Walking Tour by Sams Walks

Discover the Slavery & City of London Walking Tour by Sams Walks, a compelling journey that explores Britain’s complex history with slavery spanning over two millennia. Priced at $26.94 per person and lasting 1.5 hours, this tour offers an insightful look into hidden aspects of London’s past that are often overlooked. Starting at Tower Hill Tram and ending back at Aldgate Square, the tour combines historic sights, artifacts, and architecture to paint a vivid picture of how slavery shaped the city and country.

What sets this experience apart is its focus on the less commonly discussed topics, such as the Romans’ enslavement of Britons, the continuation of slavery by Germanic tribes in the 5th century, and the transition to Feudalism under William the Conqueror. This tour is ideal for those interested in a thought-provoking perspective on British history, delivered in an accessible and engaging way. While the tour covers a lot of ground in a short time, it is well-suited for visitors who appreciate detailed storytelling and authentic historical insights.

Key Points

• Affordable and concise: At $26.94, this 1.5-hour tour offers great value for a deep dive into London’s slavery history.
• Focus on 2000 years of history: The tour explores Roman, medieval, and modern periods, emphasizing the role of slavery in each era.
• Highlighted sites: Stops include Tower of London, Lloyd’s building, the Royal Exchange, and Lombard Street—each with historical significance.
• Unique perspective: The tour emphasizes Britain’s history as a nation of enslaved peoples, an angle often underrepresented.
• Accessible for most: With wheelchair accessibility and comfortable shoes and clothes advised, it’s designed for a broad range of participants.
• Expert guides: The guide, identified by a sign reading “Slavery & City of London Walk”, provides insightful commentary throughout.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Starting at Tower Hill Tram with a Guided Visit to Tower of London

This tour kicks off at the Tower Hill Tram, a convenient meeting point with clear signage. From there, it moves to the Tower of London, where a 10-minute guided tour introduces the site’s deep history, including its links to English royal history and slavery. The Tower’s formidable stone walls set the tone for an experience that connects medieval power with the stories of those who were enslaved.

The initial stop at Tower of London offers a compact but impactful glimpse into Britain’s past—not just the monarchy but also its link to slavery. This start provides an excellent foundation for understanding the next stops along the route.

Visiting the Roman Wall and Vine Street Artifacts

Next, the tour moves to Roman Wall by Vine Street and the nearby Vine Street Gallery, where ancient ruins and artifacts reveal London’s Roman origins. The labyrinths and sculptures found in this area provide a tangible connection to Britain’s earliest history of enslavement, illustrating how Roman practices left their mark on the city.

This part of the tour highlights the continuity of slavery from Roman times through the medieval period, emphasizing how Britain’s history with slavery predates modern narratives. The artifacts on display serve as a reminder that the city’s hidden depths include stories that are often ignored.

Exploring the Commercial Heart of the City: Leadenhall and Cornhill

Moving into Leadenhall Street, visitors see the Lloyd’s building and the East India Company site, connecting London’s commercial history with the legacy of slavery and trade. The Royal Exchange and Bank of England are landmarks that symbolize financial power, with the tour discussing how commerce and slavery intersected historically.

At Cornhill and The Jamaica Wine House, the guide discusses class structures, suffrage, and the role of commissioned officers. The Lloyds Coffee House on Lombard Street is noted for its link to abolitionist movements, such as the Society for the Abolition of the Slave Trade. These stops underscore London’s role as a hub for both oppression and activism.

St. Mary Woolnoth and Lombard Street: Links to Abolition

The walk continues to St. Mary Woolnoth Churchyard, a site with historical significance in the abolitionist movement. Nearby Lombard Street hosts the Lloyds Coffee House, a place where discussions about ending the slave trade took place. These sites demonstrate how London’s financial district played a part in advancing anti-slavery efforts.

The George Yard stop further highlights the Society for the Abolition of the Slave Trade, deepening understanding of activism’s role in changing laws and attitudes.

More Great Tours Nearby

The Historic Sites of Plantation Lane and Fen Court

The tour reaches Plantation Lane and Fen Court, locations tied to plantation economy and the legacy of slavery. The East India Arms at Fenchurch Street marks the continuation of trade networks that benefited from the slave economy.

By the tour’s final stops in Fenchurch Street, visitors gain a comprehensive picture of London’s intertwined history of commerce, slavery, and social change. The route’s conclusion at Aldgate Square provides a fitting spot to reflect on the city’s complex past.

Practical Details and Tour Logistics

The tour begins with the guide holding a sign reading “Slavery & City of London Walk”, ensuring easy identification. It includes a short guided tour at the Tower of London and concludes at Aldgate Square, making it simple to plan onward activities. The entire experience lasts 1.5 hours, with live English-speaking guides providing engaging commentary.

Participants are encouraged to wear comfortable shoes and clothes, as the walk covers a significant amount of ground in an urban environment. The tour is wheelchair accessible, making it inclusive for a diverse range of visitors.

How the Tour Combines Education and City Exploration

This experience stands out for its combination of historical storytelling with walking through actual city landmarks. It offers a detailed narrative about Britain’s history with slavery, from Roman times through medieval and modern periods. The artifacts, sculptures, and site visits give tangible connections to history, making the stories more real.

The guided commentary brings context to each stop, helping participants understand how slavery influenced not just society but also London’s development as a financial and commercial hub. This balanced approach ensures that history feels relevant and alive.

Who Will Appreciate This Tour the Most

This tour caters particularly well to history enthusiasts interested in less visible aspects of Britain’s past, especially the history of slavery. It suits those wanting a concise, affordable experience with a focus on education and urban exploration. It is also accessible for wheelchair users and those who prefer short, structured walks with expert guides.

Since the experience emphasizes thought-provoking topics and city landmarks, it’s ideal for visitors who appreciate combining sightseeing with meaningful learning.

Final Thoughts on the Slavery & City of London Walking Tour

At just $26.94 for 1.5 hours, this tour offers an affordable and compelling way to explore London’s historic relationship with slavery. Its focus on hidden stories and less discussed topics makes it stand out from typical city walks. The guides’ insightful commentary and well-chosen stops provide rich context that deepens understanding of Britain’s complex history.

While the tour covers a lot in a short time, its focused narrative and accessible route make it a valuable addition to any itinerary. It’s particularly suited for visitors eager to gain a more nuanced view of London’s past and its role in global history.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does the tour last?
The tour is 1.5 hours long, making it a manageable quick exploration of London’s slavery history.

Where does the tour start and end?
It begins at Tower Hill Tram with a guided tour of the Tower of London and finishes at Aldgate Square.

Is the tour suitable for wheelchair users?
Yes, the tour is wheelchair accessible.

What should I wear?
Participants should wear comfortable shoes and clothes suitable for walking.

How much does the tour cost?
The price is $26.94 per person.

Are there any food or drinks included?
No, the tour does not include food or drinks, but it covers historic sites and artifacts.

Is there a guide?
Yes, the tour features a live English-speaking guide who provides insightful commentary.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, full refunds are available if you cancel up to 24 hours in advance.

What are the key stops on the route?
Stops include Tower of London, Roman Wall, Lloyd’s building, Royal Exchange, Lombard Street, and Aldgate Square.

Who is this tour best suited for?
It’s perfect for history lovers, those interested in Britain’s slavery past, and urban explorers seeking an educational city walk.

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