London Ancient History and Legends Tour

The origin story of London, the City that shaped the world's greatest empire, sparked the Industrial Revolution, and created the model for modern central banks.
Its history began over a millennium before Westminster Abbey was built, with the Roman invasion and the construction of the Wall to protect this vital settlement.
Within these ancient boundaries, unique traditions and resilience flourished, transforming London into a global powerhouse.
Highlights:

• Trace London’s evolution from Celtic roots through Roman, Saxon, Viking, and Norman eras.
• Discover its defiance against royal authority and role in shaping democracy.
• Explore the birthplace of the Magna Carta and its transformation into a world empire.
• Witness resilience through plague, fire, and revolution.
• Learn about the dragon emblem and its enduring significance.

Perfect for history buffs and curious travelers alike, this expert-guided tour brings to life London’s fascinating past and enduring legends.

Meeting Point

Barbie Green

2 London Wall Pl, Barbican, London EC2Y 5AU, UK

Meet outside Barbie Green restaurant next to the Ruins.
You will recognize me by my longish hair & beard, and you'll see a felt image of a green dragon on my backpack.

What's included:

• Gain a unique history of the City of London that is steeped in ancient history and mythology.
• PDF Overview of Tour

What to expect:

Duration: 2 hours, 30 minutes

St. Alphage London Wall

Barbican, London, EC2Y 5DE

We begin our journey in the Salters garden where the history of many peoples converge from Roman to Norman.

15 minutes

Roman city wall

2 London Wall, Barbican, London EC2Y 5AU, UK

The oldest part of the wall is this Fort.

10 minutes

St. Giles Cripplegate

Fore and Wood Streets, London Wall, London, EC2

One of the oldest mediaeval churches in the City since Norman time that was once the site of older Saxon Church.

10 minutes

Salter's Hall Garden

Salter's Hall Garden, 4 London Wall Place, London Ec2y 5de, London

The Roman wall is the physical structure that helped fortify the City of London from outside influence ever since the Romans built it.
We also delve into the Celtic people. The indigenous people of these lands and the ones who made it necessary for the Romans to fortify Londinium with the wall!
Having set the scene we look to the Salter's Hall to delve into the history of London's history of Trade, Governance, and Sacrifice through the years. The Salter's Hall being ranked 9th among the 12 most important Livery companies (formerly known as Guilds).

10 minutes

Brewers' Hall

Aldermanbury Square, Barbican, London EC2V 7HR, UK

The livery company that set the standard for booze!

10 minutes

St Mary Aldermanbury Garden

1 Love Lane, London, EC2V 7JN

The ruins of this ancient church derives its name from the ancient court or bery of the aldermen, which is now held at the Guildhall. The garden today hosts memorials to a Shakespeare and two legends of two different Livery companies.

10 minutes

City of London

London

The municipal governing body of the City of London and the historic centre of London.

5 minutes

Guildhall

71 Basinghall Street, London, EC2V 7HH

The town hall of the City of London has been on its current site since at least the 13th century. We take a look at it's history and mythology since Greek through to Roman, Saxon and Norman influences.

15 minutes

St. Lawrence Jewry

Gresham Street, Next To Guildhall, London, EC2V 5AA

The official church of the City of London Corporation remembers the saint the saint who helped Christianity to flourish with a sacrifice that was unforgettably cruel.

5 minutes

Guildhall Art Gallery

Guildhall Yard, , London, EC2V 5AE

Location of the Roman Amphitheatre

25 minutes

St. Margaret Lothbury Church

Lothbury, London, EC2R 7HH

This Church represents two of the Wards of the City of London and we look at how livery companies came by their naming as 'Worshipful' companies.

5 minutes

The Royal Exchange

London, EC3V 3LR

Built by a legend for adventurers to meet. These men went onto shape the new world.
We also find out about what the the golden grasshopper is doing on top of it!

5 minutes

Mansion House of City of London

Walbrook, London, EC4N 8BH

At the head of govenance is The Lord Mayor of the City of London. In addition he is an international ambassador for the UK's financial and professional services sector. This is his home.

5 minutes

London Troops War Memorial

1 Cornhill, London, EC3V 3ND

Inside a circle of 12 dragon (lamposts) representing the 12 great livery companies we highlight some of the notable figures remembered around this area and then we conclude, returning to the story of Minotaur.

10 minutes

Bank of England

Threadneedle St, London EC2R 8AH, UK

We take at look at this most influential, traditional but still very forward looking institution. The Golden statue on top tells an interesting story.

5 minutes