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.
Ian Furbank –
We do like a bit of Death, Debauchery and Doctors on a Sunday afternoon. From bawdyhouse and workhouse to playhouse, Luisa knew where to go in Soho for maximum enjoyment. She was an absolute joy to lead us around the seamier side of the West End, and gave us the perfect balance of fact and fun. The stories of syphilis, sybarites and sex were spellbinding but came with a healthy balance of amazing medics.
Luisa was excellent with a splendid depth and breadth of local lore, and kept us entertained the whole two hours. To misquote Harris’s List of Covent Garden Ladies; “her temper and disposition is good, and her mind replete with the choicest gifts”
Barry Doherty –
This may well be the first proper review I have ever given , but felt compelled to do so after yesterdays walk. Luisa provided the perfect blend of historical fact and amusing anecdotes on the subject matter. In fact our friends, one of whom was attending as a birthday treat described it as ” her perfect day ! ” Well done Luisa, we will be back.
Rebecca –
Absolutely loved the walking tour today! Luisa was very friendly & knowledgeable. If you’re in London don’t hesitate to book a tour with Luisa!
Jo –
Luisa is a fantastic guide – so informative and funny and the two hours flew by. I can’t recommend this tour highly enough!
Lisa Graham –
Fantastic tour with Luisa. We are Soho locals and learned new things at every stop.
Luisa is lovely and so much fun plus very knowledgeable! Loved it
Gill –
An amazing walk with a fantastic and knowledgeable guide, Luisa. The walk takes you around the transformed Soho square mile and its incredible history. Highly recommended.
Catherine Moss –
A great walk with Luisa today! She was knowledgeable and informative with a great dry sense of humour! She made Soho come alive. Don’t miss this walk!!
Jill Andrews –
We had a fabulous afternoon with Louisa on the Death, Doctors & Debauchery tour of Soho.
It was very informative & entertaining, we learnt a lot & I would highly recommend it. Louisa is extremely knowledgeable & has obviously put a lot of time & effort in researching the area, she also makes lots of suggestions for other places of interest & museums to visit which was very much appreciated.
Lyn Chadwick –
My first ‘walk’ and it has encouraged me to do more. It was well paced, not too arduous and, on this occasion, even included a ‘rehydration’ break in a pub ~ most welcome in the hot weather. Luisa was very knowledgeable and able to answer any questions from our group of 9. It was fascinating to learn of life in the past and I highly recommend this enjoyable event led by a very capable and engaging lady.
MG –
Luisa is great story teller and very well researched. I would highly recommend this walk.