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.
Michael Worrow –
A fabulous time was had by all! Luisa was highly engaging and informative throughout the tour, full of amusing and interesting anecdotes from the past. I’ve booked my next day with London Walks in a week’s time.
Peter Stockdale –
Luisa gave a great tour of an area that in theory I already knew pretty well. Great insights into the lives and health issues of the past, and the importance of the area in developing current public health policies. Entertaining, informative and fun. Thoroughly recommended.
Jeff Elsom –
Excellent walk today from Luisa Dillner. Well researched, informative and well presented…and above all great fun! I am a Londoner and know the area well..but Luisa’s stories were an excellent addition to my local knowledge. Don’t miss this walk it’s a great one!
Tim Gifford –
Another wonderful walk by Luisa, bringing to life the three key subjects of death, debauchery and doctors, but also with the scandalous atmosphere of 17th, 18th and 19th Century Soho, the perennial centre of ‘life’. Some very interesting subjects used to highlight the human habits and weaknesses which clearly are timeless traits. Gore, sordid deeds and satisfied customers populate the stories, delivered with irony and considerable humour. A very fine walk and one that should not be missed.
Niki & Emily & family –
Luisa set the tone as soon as we arrived with a lovely welcome and treats to celebrate our family birthday, the walk meandered through the square mile of Soho and the delivery was interesting and intelligent with references to history, social and medical issues and a focus on the women who inhabited this area in days gone by. We all really enjoyed it and were sad to leave when we had to run for the train! Emily is interested in guiding herself and it was good to meet a great role model. So thank you Luisa.
Claudia Alvear –
Loved this walking tour! Luisa is a great storyteller and quite the comedian too. Such a different tour to your typical ‘historic London’ walks. There’s no better way to spend your afternoon than zigzagging through the quaint, cobblestoned streets of Soho, with an entertaining individual who brings the place to life!
Julie Clapson –
A great walk with Luisa! Soho is a fascinating area of London and it didn’t disappoint with Death, Debauchery and Doctors. We were quite a large group but Luisa kept us all entertained and informed. I thought I knew Soho reasonably well but this walk really drew my attention to things I had never noticed. The buildings were very interesting when you know their history and it was great hearing about the people who had lived there. Luisa has a background in the medical procession and it really shows in this walk with her knowledge and enthusiasm. Luisa is a very entertaining guide and I definitely recommend this walk.
Jo –
Brilliant! I learnt so much on this well researched and most enjoyable walk today. I highly recommend Louisa, friendly, approachable and patient to answer any questions, the two hours flew by. Looking forward to booking more walks with you!
Ofer Sagi –
Luisa was incredible, interesting and pretty funny and Death, Debauchery & Doctors in Soho is a pretty great description of what makes this walk awesome!
I love John Snow, hearing more about him was fun and the info about the Devotees of Venus was fascinating as well.
Dr Roger’s was super impressive and learning more about the snatchers was fun too!
Sue –
Most people quietly titter when Soho is mentioned. It is famous. It is infamous.
From royal hunting ground, to hunting ground of the more sordid sort.
The Georgian’s even had their own “TripAdvisor” of what was on offer in the area.
The poor and destitute went to the workhouse, others were not so lucky. Graveyards with bodies piled high, prime targets for snatching and dissection.
Anatomy schools and eventually hospitals were built. Medical history was made here.
John Snow, no not that one in GOT, the old one who knew a bit about cholera, has a pub here named after him.
All of these strands, carefully and very respectively woven together by Luisa.
Never forget, that those poor souls, however they made their money were a daughter, a sister or a mother.