Here’s a podcast about this walk (if you’d prefer to hear about it).
Meet Alison at Monument (Fish Street Hill exit) and begin a journey into the world of Elizabethan entertainment. Starting on the North side of the river you will learn how Londoners headed to Bankside to eat, drink and be merry.
Like them we will cross the river Thames and learn how the river and the view has changed over hundreds of years. Pausing outside Southwark cathedral you will hear of the burial of Shakespeare’s younger brother and how Shakespeare has been remembered.
A visit to London’s only galleried inn will help explain the design of modern theatre and the origin of words like box office and groundlings came about. There is a replica of a sixteenth century sailing ship, the like of which Shakespeare would have seen on the river Thames, steeped in history it reminds us of the days of pirates and stolen treasure.
The Clink museum is a sobering reminder that this area attracted cut purses, pimps and those with murderous intent. Bankside was home to taverns, gambling dens, bear baiting, brothels and of course three theatres. Going to the theatre in those days was not the rarefied experience it has become it was like going to a football match full of shouting and insults. No wonder the Elizabeth 1st never visited the theatre but invited the players to come to her!
Today the crowning glory of Bankside is the replica of the Globe theatre that Shakespeare helped build and the stage he wrote his compelling plays for. Today it is a familiar icon but we will learn of the vision of Sam Wanamaker and his struggle to make his dreams a reality.
The walk ends near Blackfriars tube and you can walk over to the City or stay on Bankside, one of the liveliest and entertaining areas of London. Full of restaurants and street food, markets, pavement artists and buskers there is something for everyone.
IT ALL COMES DOWN TO THE GUIDING
Tim Gifford –
A fascinating walk with Alison and we learnt lots of historical information about this South Bank ‘entertainment zone’ for the old City of London. A fun walk and certainly recommended.
Judy Sutton –
Alison is such an engaging guide. We had a fun packed two hours walking around the Southbank imagining life back in Shakespeare’s time. She really brings history alive. Thank you Alison!
Alan Rogers –
I thought I knew this interesting part of London quite well, but apparently I was wrong. Alison revealed things in plain sight that I’d never noticed before. Thanks Alison… a great walk, despite the changeable weather!
David Kral –
I thought I knew Bankside – I’ve done countless tours along these streets – but Alison proved otherwise! She’s a really lovely person, happily answering any question I put to her, and sharing lesser known facts about London’s icons – Monument, Tower Bridge, Southwark Cathedral, The Globe and so much more! This is a really accessible tour for anyone that will make you want more. Thank you, Alison!
J & N –
Thoroughly enjoyed our walk on Aug 17th. This one is not on the weekly schedule and though it was a very busy Saturday afternoon Alison always managed to find a quiet spot enabling us to clearly hear all the fascinating nuggets of information. Great afternoon and we will look out for more of her walks.
Jan Welch –
Alison is very enthusiastic, knowledgeable and generous with her time. I thoroughly enjoyed the Walk last Saturday and will do more with her 👍