The Great Plague & Black Death Tour of London

Explore London’s Dark Past with the Black Death and Great Fire Tour

The Great Plague & Black Death Tour of London offers a compelling journey through some of the most dramatic moments in the city’s history. Priced at $218.97 per person, this private guided walking experience lasts approximately 2 to 3 hours, making it a manageable and engaging way to learn about London’s past. Starting at the Dominion Theatre and ending near Monument Station, the tour is designed for those curious about the city’s history, with many stops at historically significant sites related to the Black Death, the Great Fire, and other key moments. Notably, the tour includes pickup options, group discounts, and the convenience of a mobile ticket.

The tour is ideal for history enthusiasts who appreciate storytelling, as the guide answers questions freely throughout the walk. While it covers many sites, it’s especially suited for those with moderate physical fitness due to the walking involved. The small group setting ensures an intimate experience, with plenty of opportunities to ask questions. However, it’s worth noting that tube travel costs are not included—around £5—and the tour concludes at a very accessible location near public transportation.

Key Points

• Private guided walking tour exploring London’s plague pits, fire sites, and historic landmarks
• Duration of 2 to 3 hours, beginning at the Dominion Theatre and ending near Monument Station
• Visit key sites like St Giles-in-the-Fields, Charterhouse Square, and Pudding Lane
• Learn about the Black Death, Great Fire of London, and Samuel Pepys’ role during these events
• Tour includes photo opportunities of the Monument to the Great Fire and plague-related landmarks
• Group discounts available; pickup offered for added convenience

The Tour’s Starting Point at Dominion Theatre

The tour begins at the Dominion Theatre on Tottenham Court Road at 9:30am. From here, the guide leads the group on a historical walk through central London, focusing on sites connected to the Great Plague and Black Death. The initial stop is St Giles-in-the-Fields Church, once a tiny village, now a historic part of London, which in 1665 became notable as the location where the first cases of the plague were identified. This site sets the tone for the tour’s focus on London’s early pandemic history.

The starting point’s central location makes it easy to reach via public transportation, and the tour ends near Monument Station, only a short walk from the Monument to the Great Fire of London. The ending spot is convenient for those wanting to explore more of the city’s sights or grab a meal afterward.

Visiting the Site of London’s Largest Plague Pit

One of the most sobering stops is Charterhouse Square, where the largest plague pit in London’s history was discovered. Tens of thousands of victims from the Black Death are believed to have been buried here, making it a key site for understanding the scale of the pandemic’s devastation. The plague pit remains a powerful reminder of London’s darkest times, and the guide explains how these mass burials were handled in the 14th century.

Nearby, the Charterhouse offers a close-up encounter with a remarkable skeleton of a young man who died from the Black Death around 1348. Seeing this preserved skeleton provides a visceral connection to history, illustrating how the disease affected individuals. The site’s preserved remains, combined with the stories shared by the guide, make this stop particularly impactful.

The Significance of William Wallace and the Peasants’ Revolt

The tour includes a quick visit to the William Wallace Memorial, where the famous Scottish hero was executed. This site predates the Black Death but offers context about London’s turbulent history before the pandemics.

Another poignant stop is at the Peasants’ Revolt Plaque, marking where the Peasants’ Revolt came to a head. This event underscores the social upheaval in London during the 14th century, adding depth to the story of the city’s struggles during times of crisis.

The Smithfield Martyrs’ Memorial and Medieval London

The Smithfield Martyrs’ Memorial stands at a site where bishops were martyred in the 16th century. This spot highlights London’s religious conflicts and the dangerous climate for those holding differing views, adding another layer to the city’s history of unrest.

The Old Hospital, established over 900 years ago, is another key site. It played a significant role during the Great Plague, serving as a critical location in the story of London’s response to the pandemic.

The Great Fire of London: From Pudding Lane to The Monument

The tour’s journey continues to the site of the Great Fire of London, starting at Pudding Lane, the very spot where the fire began. The guide explains how the blaze spread and the impact it had on the city’s architecture and neighborhoods.

A short walk takes visitors to the Golden Boy of Pye Corner, a quaint memorial marking where the fire was extinguished. The design of this monument and the houses nearby offer glimpses into London’s resilience and rebuilding efforts after the disaster.

The Monument to the Great Fire is the tour’s final stop. Standing tall, it provides an iconic view of the city’s skyline and serves as a powerful reminder of London’s capacity to recover from tragedy.

The Hidden History beneath Aldgate

The Aldgate Underground station features a grim connection to the Black Death—a site where the plague’s impact is still remembered beneath the city. Nearby, Aldgate Square contains references to the plague pit and is close to where one of Jack the Ripper’s victims was found, blending London’s darkest moments with its more recent history.

Aldgate Pump, a London institution, gains historical significance here, as it’s linked to the city’s period of plague and fire. The surrounding area invites reflection on how London’s history is layered in every corner.

Samuel Pepys and Seething Lane Garden

A highlight of the tour is St Olave’s Church, where Samuel Pepys and his wife are buried. Pepys’ famous diary offers a first-hand account of London during the Great Plague and Great Fire, making this site especially meaningful for history enthusiasts.

Adjacent, Seething Lane Garden is a modern, beautifully redeveloped space that features etchings of Samuel Pepys’ life events along its footpath. It’s a peaceful spot that connects the city’s past with its present, allowing reflection on the tumultuous history Pepys chronicled.

The End at Tower Hill and The Fire’s Final Moments

The tour concludes at Tower Hill, a notable place where many historical figures faced execution. The proximity to Pudding Lane and the Monument makes this an ideal location to contemplate the city’s resilience.

Nearby, Pudding Lane offers a direct link to the Great Fire’s origin, providing a poignant ending to the journey through London’s darkest days.

Practical Details and Booking Information

The tour is conducted as a private experience, with only your group participating, allowing for personalized questions and discussions. The meeting point is at the Dominion Theatre, and the tour ends near Monument Station, making it easy to continue exploring London or to return by public transit.

Confirmation is provided within 48 hours of booking, and service animals are allowed. The tour suits those with moderate physical fitness due to the walking involved. The cost of tube travel is not included, roughly £5, so budget accordingly.

Final Thoughts on the Black Death & Great Fire Tour of London

This 2-3 hour guided walk provides a detailed look at some of London’s most pivotal moments—covering plague pits, historic sites, and fire landmarks. The private format and the knowledgeable guides—praised for their storytelling—ensure an engaging experience.

While the tour involves walking through central London’s streets, it remains accessible and packed with visual and historical interest. It’s especially suitable for those fascinated by London’s darker chapters and wanting to see the places where history was made.

The combination of sites and stories makes this tour a compelling way to understand London’s resilience amid tragedy, with enough flexibility to ask questions and explore at your own pace. It offers value for history buffs and curious visitors alike, ready to uncover the city’s hidden stories beneath its lively streets.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for children?
The tour involves walking and some historical sites that may require reading or reflection, so it’s best suited for older children or teens with an interest in history.

Do I need to book in advance?
Yes, booking is recommended to secure a spot. Confirmation is received within 48 hours.

Are there any age restrictions?
No specific age restrictions are noted, but physical fitness and comfort with walking are suggested.

What’s included in the price?
The private guided walking tour is included. Tube travel costs and personal expenses are not.

Can I cancel this tour?
Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the scheduled start.

Is the tour accessible for people with mobility issues?
The tour involves walking through historic streets and sites, so moderate physical fitness is recommended. Accessibility details are not specified.

How long does the tour last?
The experience lasts approximately 2 to 3 hours, depending on pace and questions.

What is the ending location?
The tour ends at Monument Station, close to the Monument to the Great Fire of London and public transport options.

Can I join the tour if I am not staying in central London?
Yes, the starting point is central and accessible by public transport.