Short read: A sojourn into a lost city – an Atlantis.
Long read: Dickens and London? He wrote London. You read him, it’s part of you, you’re part of it. Oliver Twist, A Christmas Carol, Little Dorrit – all part of English literature. Same goes for walking his London. Pip’s lodgings in Great Expectations (“who enters here leaves noise behind”); the bank which employed “resurrection man” Jerry Cruncher in A Tale of Two Cities; Tulkinghorn’s chambers (“where lawyers lie like maggots in nuts”) in Bleak House; even the “original” Old Curiosity Shop (or is it?).
Dickens’ immortal Sam Weller had “extensive and peculiar” knowledge of Dickensian London. This walk keeps that tradition alive. Tradition and peculiar being the watchwords. Because we thread our way into a Victorian London of nooks and crannies and alleyways and gas lamps and 18th- and 19th-century houses – and no cars! It’s the part of London where Dickens lived and worked: Chancery Lane, Gray’s Inn, Holborn, Doughty Street, River Thames, London Bridge and St Paul’s Cathedral. It’s the London of David Copperfield and Pip and Pickwick papers. It’s “Inimitable” – like Dickens himself. And on a Dickens tour of all things you don’t want a “guide” with the expressive range of a turtle. Step forward accomplished actors Richard III (he’s Mr. Jingle – yes, that’s right, he’s a member of the Dickens Pickwick Club) and Richard IV (he of the thrilling, velvety voice, as all of those audiobooks he narrates for Audible eloquently attest).
IT ALL COMES DOWN TO THE GUIDING
Don’t just take it from us…
THE CHARLES DICKENS’ LONDON WALK – THE PRACTICALS
The Charles Dickens’ London Walk takes place every* Friday at 2.30 pm. The meeting point is just outside the Villiers Street exit of Embankment Underground Station Tube. *Not Dec. 25
Tracy Evans –
I have been on a few London Walks and they’ve all been excellent. And this one didn’t disappoint. Richard (the 3rd) clearly loved his subject and managed to bring us all into Dickens’ London (and beyond). Lots of facts and history delivered in a knowledgable yet humorous way. What’s not to like? These walks are enlightening, entertaining and enjoyable – always!
Jeff Murray & Vigdis Jacobsen –
We absolutely loved David’s tour and stayed on despite the weather! It was cold and wet, but his witty, lively, knowledgeable and clever delivery made it all special. Particularly enlightening were his cross references to other literary figures (like George Orwell) to deepen the impact of Dickens’s gifts. We are both inspired to read more Dickens now and will highly recommend London Walks and the Dickens tour in particular.
Tony Flannery –
A walk in the rain is rarely as entertaining as our walk with David. He was a very engaging guide, our limited knowledge of Dickens was no disadvantage, everything was made very understandable.
Francesco Petrocchi –
We’ve had the priviledge to take part in an amazing Charles Dickens tour led by Richard (3rd), who’s been extremely kind, informative and clear. It’s been a great experience! Thank you Richard! PS: I found a very good and cheap second-hand copy of C. Tomalin’s book on Dickens. Thanks for mentioning and recommending such a reliable and thourough biography!
Linda Tournade –
David P. is one of London’s best tour guides! I thoroughly enjoyed his Dickens tour and loved spending time with him and our small group in Ye Olde Chesire Cheese (which Dickens frequented) at the end.
Catherine Kriske –
We went on the Dickens walk with Richard III. As lifelong Charles Dickens fans it was everything we could have asked for. Richard was knowledgeable and witty. He kept the pace just right. We learned so much!
Mark Baldwin –
Excellent walk! David is an expectational guide who ensured everyone was enjoying the walk and tended to a few special needs of some of the attendees.
Message to David: I related that Bar in street names refers to barricade; I was mistaken it refers to a barbican.
Andrea B. –
Excellent! London walks were recommended to me & having now gone on 2 in 2 days, I’m so very happy for the recommendation. Richard III was my guide for both the Charles Dickens & Notting Hill & Portobello Market walks. Both were wonderful. I learned so much from Richard. He walks at an easy pace, with frequent pauses to deliver a fascinating bit of history. Richard is a terrific story teller; just a delightful guide. Many thanks! I’ll be joining again soon. 🙂
Terri Kutner –
My husband and I loved Richard 3’s Charles Dickens tour. In fact it was one of the highlights of our recent 10 day trip to London. My husband was ambivalent about going on a Dickens tour since he had last read Dickens in high school but was willing to go. Richard was so knowledgeable about not only Dickens but the buildings, geography, society and economy of Dickens’ London that he enabled us to see London through Dickens’ eyes. Highly recommend this tour and Richard 3.
Neil & Rose Cole’s –
Dickens Walk with Richard III Friday 27th October 23 . This was a very interesting and informative walk around Dicken’s London Richard was a superb guide with great knowledge delivered with humour . We highly recommend this.