DON’T JUST TAKE OUR WORD FOR IT
Una McTernan went on the walk on March 9, 2025. Here’s her review (please be sure to note the penultimate sentence): “We had a wonderful time on this walk with Luisa. We thought we knew Soho but we learned so much in side streets and previously unnoticed historic buildings. This is a walk for locals or visitors: there is something for everyone and especially if you are interested in the history of medicine, social history, and juicy tales of “ladies of the night.” All in historical context from a former doctor and current journalist/writer. We have done regular London walks for many years and this is the best one yet. Do not miss it!”
BILL OF FARE TO THE FEAST
Meet madams of bawdy houses, body snatchers and benevolent doctors in a two-hour walk through the alleyways and past the elegant townhouses of the square mile that is Soho. Find out how Soho got its name, how death, debauchery and do-good doctors all rubbed along together in Soho in the 1700s and 1800s and how some of Soho’s residents had an impact far wider than these colourful streets.
Discover what links “It was the best of times, it was the worst of times” with one of the best-preserved workhouses in Soho, hear how executed murderers advanced medical knowledge and how a brave doctor turned detective to discover how 500 people died of Cholera within a few streets in two weeks in 1854. Clue: it was linked to a popular water pump.
We cover just over a mile of Soho, from the Georgian lodgings of a Devotee of Venus to a picnic spot beneath which lies a secret, to the first anatomy school in London and the sites of the first speciality hospitals in London that cared for women and those with the ‘foul’ disease.
There will be some sexual content (historical and tasteful) and some gore. It will be funny and moving – sometimes at the same time.
IT ALL COMES DOWN TO THE GUIDING
Ready? Strapped in? Here goes. Life force. Particle-Accelerator. Dynamo. Operatic. One woman procession. Surgeon. Author. Distinguished journalist (columnist, Editor, A-List freelancer). “Thinking person’s media personality” (radio and television pundit). All-rounder. Medical doctor and artsy (English Literature First). Londoner. Professionally qualified guide. Friendly. Fun. Charismatic. Effervescent. Make buzz distilled.
Andrew –
Entertaining.
Linda Child –
We’ve ‘done’ many of the ‘London Walks’ over the years, all were good, but this walk with Luisa was the best to-date! Extremely interesting, very engaging and lots of fun facts. Highly recommended!
Pete –
We really enjoyed this tour and learnt so much! Would recommend to anyone to make the time when you’re in London. Luisa is a great tour guide and so knowledgeable and engaging with the group
Ken NEWBERRY –
Genuinely interesting walk and talk which not only met the expectations of its racy title but a lot more besides. It was an enlightening social history which made one value even more the modern support we receive from health, social, and local government services – not perfect but where would we be without them? This walk tells you exactly where – back in 1800! Today is definitely preferable. The stories that Luisa related about medical pioneers such as Dr Joseph Rogers were deeply impressive – and moving. My wife and friends heartily recommend this tour and Luisa’s knowledgable style.
Kevin Duggan –
Fantastic walk with Luisa. The best we’ve been on, and we’ve done a few. As Londoners, we have a decent knowledge of the city. But there is always more to learn and discover on these walks, and this was no exception. A grisly, sometimes sad, but ultimately triumphant glimpse of London’s journey through history. Will certainly look for other walks hosted by Luisa, a very knowledgeable and humorous lens on arguably a very grim time. Highly recommended…
Imelda Shanahan –
Death AND debauchery AND doctors and all at the same time and in the same place right in the heart of London? Who knew!! A most informative and entertaining walk and tale – and I will definitely look forward to dropping a reference to the Devotees of Venus sometime when it creates maximum impact! Great walk and great tale and great teller. Thoroughly enjoyed it, highly recommended and will watch out for Luisa’s other walks.
Helen B –
Luisa is a superb guide and entertained and informed the group with her wealth of knowledge and delivery. Two hours flew by walking and listening to the history of this area. One of the best ‘Walks’ ever!
Sally Herne –
I’ve lived in london for 30 years and done lots of these walks. Luisa did not disappoint – she is a great story teller and I discovered lots about this part of London that I didn’t know. I must have walked past the sign for the anatomy school and never seen it. The descriptions of the ‘magical brothel’ will stay with us !
Alex Ness –
An outstanding, insightful walking tour that really brought Soho’s past to life. I live and work within 10 minutes of Soho and still learnt so much. Luisa is a superb tour guide!
Vibeke Arentz and Jeff Kacirk –
Louisa, as a medical doctor, is so personally qualified to lead this this walk. She’s spirited, passionate, compassionate about all the patients she talks about, and so kind. She breathed life into London’s dark medical past. This is one of the best London Walks we have ever taken (in 30 years!) She was so interesting and breathed life into this dark but interesting chapter of London’s medical history. Even if you’re not interested in medicine, doctors, etc. etc., you will be inspired by this tour! We highly recommend Louisa, this tour, and all of her tours!