MEET YOUR GUIDE
Meet opposite one of London’s finest hospitals and end at the chapel of a rival hospital that has been razed to the ground. Learn about the medical discoveries at University College Hospital and at the now extinct Middlesex Hospital on the other side of Tottenham Court Road. We’ll talk about the discovery of the hormone aldosterone, early identification of HIV, novel cancer therapies and growing mini eyes to understand blindness among other medical marvels.
In between, explore the architectural gem of Fitzroy Square and learn about some of the characters who have lived there from author Virginia Woolf to artist Tracey Emin of unmade bed fame.
Hear about a buccaneer of the high seas, a mighty Venezualan military leader and see the place that Gandhi visited and serves the cheapest good quality Indian food in London. Look at an optical illusion on the outside of a neuroscience research building, see the site of an old workhouse, international street food, the architectural mix from Georgian to ultramodern and end the tour with a quiet moment in an exquisite Byzantine-style chapel.
IT ALL COMES DOWN TO THE GUIDING
Ann teaches the next generation of doctors at University College London Medical School. She broadcasts on BBC radio as well as writing a research roundup for the British Medical Journal. She was a health columnist for the Guardian newspaper. She’s a real Londoner. She was born, studied, gave birth and worked in the UCL area as a junior hospital doctor and most recently as a GP for homeless people. She’s written books on women’s health and embarrassing problems so nothing fazes her or makes her blush. Anything else? Yes, she’s a knowledgeable guide specialising in her neighbourhood (the London borough of Camden). In short, an unbeatable combination: local knowledge and connections, lived experience and top flight professional expertise.
Laura Collins –
Ann was a charming host; this together with her knowledge and enthusiasm made the walk around Fitzrovia a real pleasure. I am a long term resident of London but this area was a new discovery.