Burnings, Butchery & Black Death: A Walking Tour of London’s Bloody Past

Explore London’s Bloody Past on a 2-Hour Walking Tour for Just $27.54

This small-group walking tour of London offers a captivating journey through over a thousand years of history packed into approximately 2 hours. Led by a knowledgeable guide, the tour visits 10 key sites linked to London’s more gruesome tales—from medieval plague pits to Victorian sewer systems. With a price of just $27.54 per person and groups limited to 15 travelers, it promises an intimate and engaging experience. The tour is ideal for history buffs, curious travelers, and those interested in London’s darker side, offering an affordable way to uncover hidden stories behind the city’s most iconic landmarks.

A notable highlight is the inclusion of London’s oldest surviving parish church, a thousand-year-old meat market, and the site of the Great Fire of 1666. The tour’s emphasis on personalized storytelling and off-the-beaten-path locations makes it stand out among other city walks. However, it’s worth mentioning that the tour involves walking and standing for about two hours, so comfortable shoes are recommended.

Key Points

• Affordable Price: At $27.54, this tour offers excellent value for exploring over a thousand years of London’s history.
• Short, Focused Experience: The 2-hour duration makes it perfect for adding into a busy London itinerary.
• Expert Guide: The guide, often praised for being knowledgeable, engaging, and humorous, shares intriguing stories about London’s darker history.
• Small Group Size: Limited to 15 travelers, ensuring a personalized experience with plenty of opportunity to ask questions.
• Visits Iconic and Hidden Sites: Stops include St John’s Gate, Cloth Fair, and the Church of St. Bartholomew the Great—London’s oldest parish church.
• Rich in Gruesome Tales: From medieval plague pits to 18th-century ghost stories, the tour offers a dark but fascinating glimpse into London’s past.

Starting at the Historic Charterhouse

The tour begins at Underground Ltd on Aldersgate Street, near the Barbican and Farringdon Station. Here, the guide greets the group and sets the tone with stories about a fourteenth-century monastery and plague pit. The Charterhouse site is notable for its centuries of history, including its role during the plague era. Visitors get a quick yet vivid overview of London’s medieval struggles, setting the stage for the rest of the walk.

The site is free to enter for the tour, making it a great starting point that immediately immerses participants in London’s dark past.

Visiting Smithfield Market and Medieval Meat Trade

Next, the guide leads visitors to Smithfield Market, a thousand-year-old meat market. This bustling site, still active today, once served as a key hub for London’s food trade. The tour highlights the market’s long history, where livestock and meat vendors have operated through centuries of upheaval. The walk around the market lasts about 10 minutes, offering a glimpse into London’s medieval food industry.

The market’s history links to London’s grim past, including stories of public executions, which took place nearby, emphasizing the area’s role in London’s punishment and public spectacle.

Exploring St John’s Gate and the Knights Hospitallers

A short walk brings the tour to St John’s Gate, the historic entrance to the medieval Knights Hospitallers. This site played a vital role in medieval London’s defense and health care. Visitors can appreciate how this gate has stood since the Middle Ages, whispering stories of the knights who once protected and served the city.

The 10-minute stop provides context about medieval London’s military and charitable institutions, connecting the physical site to London’s social history.

Discovering Cloth Fair’s Noisy Past

Following this, visitors stroll down Cloth Fair, an alley with a surprisingly lively history. Once a center for cloth trading, the alley’s reputation is rooted in its noisy past, associated with the bustling medieval textile industry. Today, it remains a quiet spot, but its history as a lively hub of commerce and unrest makes it a compelling stop.

This 10-minute walk offers a contrast between the peaceful present and London’s turbulent history, highlighting how trade, crime, and social upheaval have shaped the area.

Honoring William Wallace and the Medieval Legend

Next, the group visits the William Wallace Memorial, dedicated to the legendary Scottish hero. Though primarily remembered for his role in Scottish history, the memorial adds a layer of legend to the tour’s storytelling, illustrating how historical figures are commemorated in London.

This stop, also lasting about 10 minutes, enriches the tour with stories of rebellion and bravery, connecting the city’s history to broader British and Scottish narratives.

Visiting the Oldest Parish Church of London

A highlight of the tour is the visit to Church of St. Bartholomew the Great, London’s oldest surviving parish church. Built in the 12th century, this church has witnessed centuries of history, from medieval plagues to Victorian renovations. Its architecture and historic artifacts provide an intimate look into London’s religious history amid its darker tales.

The 10-minute visit allows for admiring the church’s medieval features, with some stories about its role during times of plague and social unrest.

The Site of the Great Fire and Eighteenth-Century Ghost Stories

Next, the tour stops at Golden Boy of Pye Corner, the location where the Great Fire of 1666 died out. The site is also linked to eighteenth-century ghost hysteria, providing a spooky and fascinating insight into London’s historical fears and superstitions.

This 10-minute stop adds an eerie twist, connecting the city’s devastating fire to local ghost stories and superstitions that persisted into later centuries.

Exploring Victorian London’s Sewer System at Holborn Viaduct

The guide leads visitors to Holborn Viaduct, the site of the River Fleet, which was once Victorian London’s largest open air sewer. This practical yet grim part of London’s history demonstrates how the city managed its sanitation issues during rapid industrial growth.

The stop includes stories about Victorian public health struggles, making it a reminder of how London’s infrastructure evolved from some of its darkest times.

Visiting a Historic Pub and the Oldest Hospital

The tour concludes at Ye Olde Mitre, a hidden pub tucked away down an alleyway, perfect for a quick drink or snack. Nearby, the Saint Bartholomew’s Hospital Museum offers a glimpse into the oldest surviving hospital in the country. The hospital has provided medical care in London for hundreds of years, often linked to the city’s most perilous episodes, like plagues and fires.

Both sites are about 10 minutes from each other, giving visitors a relaxed finish to their journey into London’s gruesome past.

Practical Details and Booking

This Mobile ticket tour is designed for convenience, starting at Underground Ltd on Aldersgate Street. The meeting point is accessible by public transportation, and the tour concludes near Ely Place. Most travelers find the walking pace manageable, and the small group size of up to 15 people ensures everyone can hear and engage with the guide.

The tour requires only good weather for the outdoor stops, with a full refund available for cancellations made 24 hours in advance. The price of $27.54 is highly competitive, especially considering the detailed storytelling and carefully curated sites visited.

The Guide and Visitor Experience

Reviews highlight Tom as an exceptional guide, praised for his knowledge, humor, and engaging storytelling. Guests particularly appreciate his ability to bring to life London’s dark history with vivid anecdotes and a personable style. The small group size often results in a more personalized experience, allowing for questions and deeper engagement.

The tour’s pacing is noted as not too strenuous, with many stops lasting around 10 minutes. It combines fascinating sights with gruesome tales, making it a popular choice for those interested in London’s more sinister stories.

Final Thoughts on London’s Bloody Past Tour

This walking tour offers an enthralling journey through London’s darkest chapters, from medieval plague pits to Victorian sewer systems. The affordable price and small group size make it an appealing option for curious visitors seeking a personal and lively exploration of the city’s grittier history.

While the walking involved might be a consideration for some, the high praise for the guide and stops suggests a well-organized, engaging experience. It’s especially suitable for those who enjoy history with a twist, storytelling that combines facts with local legends, and discovering hidden gems off the usual tourist trail.

In short, this tour is a top choice for anyone wanting to see London through a more grisly lens, all while learning about its resilience and transformations. The mix of historic sites, intriguing tales, and lively narration ensures a memorable, enlightening, and fun experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the tour?
The tour lasts approximately 2 hours, covering ten stops and offering a brisk yet manageable walk through London’s history.

Where does the tour start?
It begins at Underground Ltd on Aldersgate Street, near the Barbican and Farringdon Station.

Is the tour suitable for all ages?
Most travelers can participate, but since it involves walking and standing, it’s best suited for those able to handle about two hours on their feet.

What is included in the price?
The tour itself is included, with no additional admission fees for the stops, as most sites are free to explore for visitors.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, cancellations are free if made 24 hours in advance. The tour is weather-dependent, and poor weather may lead to rescheduling or refunds.

Is the guide knowledgeable?
Yes, reviews consistently praise the guide’s expertise, humor, and storytelling ability, making the experience both educational and enjoyable.