Short read: Banned books and censored stories
Long read: Banned, Censored & Forbidden: The walking tour history tried to cancel. Blasphemy, classified secrets, and scandals,—this is the epic battle for the control of free information laid bare. Join Joanna as she uncovers 500 years of erased books, and silenced stories. Bring the facts to light, or leave them in the shadows? Can you handle the truths history didn’t want you to hear?
Please note this walk involves some steps
Vibeke Arentz –
This is a wonderful walk about a fascinating subject. Joanna’s passion and enthusiasm for the subject shines!
Michael Bundy –
I came on the walk having attended Joanna’s talk at the London Archives. It was fascinating to be in the places that figured in the original talk, such as St Giles’ Church, where Milton is buried, and Stationers’ Hall, where confiscated books were burned. It was sobering to think about how the freedoms of the press we enjoy today had to be fought for, and how easily they can be undermined. Apparently, Milton is still banned in one US state, and the plane tree in the grounds of the Stationers’ Hall is still flourishing ! I must try to visit there on one of their open days. Many Thanks
Lada Buskie –
Joanna is a brilliant guide, knowledgeable with good sense of humour. During the tour, we learned a lot about censorship, press, even court cases of blasphemy. I would recommend this tour to anyone who hates school like lectures, as this one is more of an excising story than done and dusted history.
HW –
An interesting and well-researched walk which delivered a potted history of printing and censorship. This theme was brought to life by the various characters mentioned during the walk and the influences they had on freedom of speech. The places we visited were all of historical significance and provided a colourful background to the topics discussed. All in all, a very worthwhile walk led by a charming, enthusiastic and well informed guide.
Lesley Butler –
A really good walk, with lots of interesting information. Joanna had a fund of facts about the history of censorship right up to the present day and was very knowledgeable. One of the best walks I’ve been on in a long time.
Jane S –
Delightful new walk around the theme of censorship, from the time of Gutenberg right up to the present. Although we stayed within the City, we covered a lot of ground in terms of content. Joanna was an enthusiastic and well-informed guide, and the tour was great fun! Hope to see it as a regular part of the Walks schedule (although it was nice to have a small but very engaged group for the first outing).
Colin Knight –
This was an unusual but very enjoyable walk, different because it was based on a theme, rather than a geographically concise part of London. In particular, the shock to the establishment caused by the invention of the printing press and the consequent spread of often contentious information to the masses was emphasised from the start. No longer would the population just accept everything that we were led to believe was true. Joanna was a very enthusiastic leader and encouraged much discussion among our group at each place we visited.