5 (1)
London
London's Dark History: Castles, Courts & Crusaders Tour
180
Overview
Castles, Crusaders, Communists & Courts: Step into a different side of London and explore its hidden history. This walking tour takes you through narrow lanes and reveals the stories of London's past, starting at Smithfield, where William Wallace met his end.
See St. Barts, founded by a Crusader, and Charterhouse, next to a plague pit. The tour visits the gatehouse of the Knights of St John and Clerkenwell, where Lenin and Stalin first met. Pass by the historic legal district, including Lincoln's Inn Fields, and finish outside the Royal Courts of Justice on Fleet Street.
Expect to see iconic landmarks like St. Paul's Cathedral, Old Bailey, and The Viaduct Tavern. With an in-person guide, one will discover London's intriguing history. Please note that tube travel before or after the tour is not included. 
Highlights
Uncover London's Dark Past: Explore gruesome tales of executions, plagues, and political intrigue.
Visit Historical Landmarks: See St. Bartholomew's Hospital, Charterhouse, and the Royal Courts of Justice.
Expert Local Guide: Learn from an in-person guide who knows London's history inside and out.
Walk Through Hidden Alleys: Discover secret spots and narrow lanes often missed by tourists.
Sentiment Analysis
Customers generally have a very positive experience, praising the knowledgeable guides, unique historical insights, and overall value. Some mention issues with the pace or meeting point.
Customers love the knowledgeable and engaging tour guides who bring history to life.
Visitors enjoy discovering hidden gems and lesser-known historical sites.
Many appreciate the tour's unique focus on the darker and more unusual aspects of London's past.
Customers find the tour to be a great value for the price.
Some customers found the pace of the tour to be a bit fast.
A few reviewers mentioned that the meeting point was difficult to find.
The Journey
St. Paul's Cathedral
Ascend to the dome of Sir Christopher Wren's masterpiece, St. Paul's Cathedral, a symbol of London's resilience and spiritual grandeur. Discover centuries of history within its walls, from royal weddings to state funerals, and explore the Whispering Gallery for a unique acoustic experience. This iconic cathedral stands on a site of sacred significance dating back to Roman times, offering breathtaking views of the city skyline and a profound sense of awe.
Old Bailey
Step into the hallowed halls of the Central Criminal Court, more famously known as the Old Bailey. Witness the ongoing drama of justice in action, attending public galleries to observe trials of high public interest. This historic courthouse, steeped in legal tradition, has been the site of some of Britain's most sensational and pivotal cases, offering a chilling glimpse into the criminal underbelly of London.
The Viaduct Tavern
Venture beneath the Viaduct Tavern, a Victorian gin palace, to explore the chilling remnants of Newgate Prison's former cells. This atmospheric pub, mentioned in Charles Dickens' novels, offers a haunting glimpse into London's penal past. Imagine the condemned awaiting their fate, often public executions just outside the pub's door, adding a macabre yet fascinating layer to your pint.
Smithfield Market
Reflect on the somber history of Smithfield Market, a historic meat market that also served as a site of public executions for centuries. Stand on the grounds where William Wallace, the Scottish hero of Braveheart fame, met his end, along with countless others. The market's rich history blends commerce with grim reminders of justice and punishment, making it a poignant stop on any historical tour.
St. Bartholomew the Great
Discover the serene beauty of St. Bartholomew the Great, London's oldest parish church, founded in 1123. Explore the stunning Romanesque architecture and learn about its crusader origins, including the founder's vision of a saint. The church's cinematic appeal has made it a popular filming location. Also, explore the adjacent historical sites linked with its founding, to experience the full legacy of this remarkable site.
Charterhouse Square and Chapel
Contemplate the grim history beneath Charterhouse Square, one of London's largest plague pits. Explore the Charterhouse Chapel and contemplate the recently discovered skeleton of a Black Death victim. This peaceful square, once a Carthusian monastery, now offers a poignant reflection on London's past battles against disease, juxtaposing serenity with the stark realities of mortality.
St John's Gate
Step through the imposing gateway of St John's Gate, the surviving portal of the medieval Priory of the Knights of St John. Explore the museum within, showcasing a remarkable collection of Crusader weapons, armor, and artifacts. Delve into the history of this ancient order, whose legacy continues to resonate through the centuries, connecting London to the Crusades and beyond.
Clerkenwell (Dickens & Lenin)
Wander through the historic streets of Clerkenwell, once a hotbed of 19th-century poverty that inspired Charles Dickens's novels. Visit the historic pub where Lenin and Stalin first met, plotting their revolutionary strategies. Clerkenwell's transformation from a center of poverty and political intrigue to a vibrant modern neighborhood offers a compelling glimpse into London's ever-evolving identity.
Marx Memorial Library
Delve deeper into Clerkenwell's communist heritage at the Marx Memorial Library, a working institute dedicated to the study of Marxism and socialist history. Explore its extensive collection of books, pamphlets, and archives, gaining insight into the revolutionary ideas that shaped the 20th century and continue to resonate today. Discover the historical context in which Marx developed his theories.
Ely Place
Stroll down the beautiful Ely Place, a historic street that witnessed a wedding and a dramatic act by King Henry VIII. This private street is technically part of Cambridgeshire, despite being located in the heart of London. Explore the intriguing history and admire the well-preserved Georgian architecture of this secluded enclave.
Lincoln's Inn Fields
Escape the bustle of central London in Lincoln's Inn Fields, the city's largest square, often overlooked by tourists. Discover a tranquil oasis of green space, surrounded by grand halls, a beautiful chapel, and meticulously manicured gardens. Explore one of the Inns of Court, institutions pivotal in the education and training of barristers, and soak in the atmosphere of legal tradition.
Royal Courts of Justice
Conclude your journey at the Royal Courts of Justice, a magnificent Victorian Gothic edifice that stands at the end of Fleet Street. Admire the architectural splendor of this grand courthouse, one of the highest courts in England and Wales. Reflect on the centuries of legal history that have unfolded within its walls, shaping the course of justice in the nation.
Know Before You Go
This experience includes an in-person guide who will lead you through the historical sites. Tube travel before or after the tour is not included. The meeting point is Smithfield Market and the tour ends outside the Royal Courts of Justice on Fleet Street. Make sure to wear comfortable shoes for walking.
Hot Tip
Wear comfortable shoes because there is a lot of walking involved. Arrive early at the meeting point to avoid any delays, as it can be a bit tricky to find. Bring a water bottle to stay hydrated during the tour.
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