London Burnings, Butchery and Black Death Tour

from

£20

London
Gtr London

1-15
people

price for
1 participant

2
hours

• Explore London's Historic Smithfield on a Guided Walking Tour
• Experience a Two-Hour Journey Through London’s Dark History
• Uncover the Most Haunting Tales of London's Medieval Era

Why We Love This Unique Experience

Step back in time and uncover the chilling tales of London’s gruesome history on the captivating "Burnings, Butchery & Black Death: A Walking Tour of London’s Bloody Past." This engaging experience invites history enthusiasts and curious adventurers alike to explore the darker side of the city, revealing stories of medieval knights, notorious slums, and the horrific realities of life and death during one of history’s most infamous eras. Immerse yourself in the sights and sounds that shaped London, as guides bring the past to life with gripping narratives that will intrigue and entertain.

The walking tour takes participants on a two-hour journey through significant historic sites centered around the notorious Smithfield area, long recognized as the city’s hub of slaughter—both animal and human. Discover how the city handled the overwhelming number of corpses during the devastating Black Death, learn about medieval execution methods, and see how this area inspired Charles Dickens in his classic novel "Oliver Twist." With a relaxed pace covering approximately two miles, there is ample opportunity to soak in the atmosphere and engage with fellow history seekers. Ticket availability is limited to fifteen attendees, ensuring an intimate and enriching experience for everyone.

This unique walking tour makes a fantastic gift for friends, family, or yourself, offering a chance to delve into London’s past in an exciting and memorable way. Whether celebrating a birthday or seeking an uncommon experience to share, this tour is sure to leave a lasting impression. Step into history and uncover the captivating tales of London’s bloody past.

Experience Overview:

Burnings, Butchery & Black Death: A Walking Tour Of London's Bloody Past

Travel through a thousand years of history, meeting medieval knights, body snatchers, Charles Dickens, an eighteenth century ghost, and William Wallace - aka Braveheart (and learn how he was in no fit state to shout "Freeeedoooommmm!" whilst being executed!)
On our walking tour we'll visit the areas around Smithfield, for centuries London's site of both animal and human slaughter. We'll learn about how the city disposed of the tens of thousands of Black Death corpses in the fourteenth century, the execution methods used in the Middle Ages, and how the area became a notorious slum which Dickens used as the setting for Oliver Twist.

The walking tour begins outside Barbican Station, ends near to Farringdon Station, and will take around two hours. Total distance is about two miles.

Ticket sales will be limited to fifteen attendees, to ensure maximum enjoyment for everybody on the tour.

Meeting Point

Barbican

Underground Ltd, Aldersgate St, Barbican, London EC1A 4JA, UK

We meet outside Barbican Station exit. Please aim to arrive five minutes early as the tour will start on time. If you aren't able to make the tour or you will be late, please message me on +44 7783 401 129 so that I know whether to send you our live location on WhatsApp.

What's included:

Tour

What to expect:

Duration: 2 hours

The Charterhouse

Charterhouse Square, London, EC1M 6AN

A fourteenth century monastery and plague pit

10 minutes

Smithfield Market

Grand Ave, London, EC1A 9PS

A one thousand year old meat market

10 minutes

St John's Gate

St John_s Lane, Clerkenwell, London, EC1M 4PN

The home of the medieval Knights Hospitallers

10 minutes

Cloth Fair

London

A quiet alley with a noisy history

10 minutes

WIlliam Wallace Memorial

St. Bartholomew's Hospital, W Smithfield, London, EC1A 9DS

The memorial to William Wallace, aka Braveheart

10 minutes

Church of St. Bartholomew the Great

West Smithfield, Barbican, London, EC1A 9DS

London's oldest surviving parish church

10 minutes • Admission Ticket Included

Golden Boy of Pye Corner

35 Cock Lane, London, EC1A 9BW

The site where the Great Fire of 1666 died out, and of eighteenth century ghost hysteria

10 minutes

Holborn Viaduct

Holborn street, London, EC1A

The site of the River Fleet, Victorian London's largest open air sewer

10 minutes

Ye Olde Mitre

1 Ely Court, Ely Place, London, EC1N 6SJ

A hidden gem of a pub, hidden down an alleyway

10 minutes

Saint Bartholomew's Hospital Museum

Giltspur Street, West Smithfield, London, EC1A 7BE

The oldest surviving hospital in the country

10 minutes

What People Are Saying

(162 reviews)

Tom's walking tours come highly recommended by a diverse array of satisfied customers, who praise his engaging, humorous, and informative storytelling style. Participants consistently highlight his deep knowledge of London's history, particularly its darker and macabre elements, which makes for an enlightening experience filled with fascinating anecdotes and lesser-known facts. Reviewers appreciate the unique routes he leads through hidden gems, ensuring a well-structured and enjoyable tour that is both fun and educational. Whether you're a history buff or just looking to explore the city differently, Tom’s tours promise an unforgettable adventure worth every penny!

Experience Highlights

Engaging and Informative... Fascinating Historical Insights... Highly Recommended Tour... Excellent Guide Tom... Fun for All Ages... Unique London Experience... Value for Money... Hidden Gems Explored... Great for History Buffs... Memorable Walking Tour... Amusing and Fun... Punctual and Professional... Knowledgeable and Passionate... Well Structured Tour... Interactive and Thought-Provoking...