O say, does that star-spangled banner yet wave?
The tales’ red glare, the stories bursting in air, gave proof through the walk…
America was born in defiance of Britain.
So where better to celebrate 250 years of American independence than London?
This lively, eye-opening walk traces the roots of the American Revolution not in Boston or Philadelphia, but in the streets, squares and parks of central London. This is where loyalties were tested, arguments sharpened and the fate of a future nation debated. Along the way we meet founding fathers and key English politicians, encounter King George III lamenting that “America is lost!”, and stroll through the elegant Georgian streets and squares that formed the backdrop to the birth of a great nation.
What follows is a taste of the story, not the whole feast.
Dramatis Personae
It All Comes Down to the Guiding
Dr Ann has a gift for making big history human, vivid and memorable. She brings people and places sharply to life.
Standing his ground
We meet George Washington, founding father and first president, and uncover the curious story of why his statue in Trafalgar Square stands on soil shipped from Virginia.
Stout, balding and unexpectedly charismatic
Yes, Benjamin Franklin. Founding Father, diplomat, inventor, swimmer, enslaver turned abolitionist. We stop by his house. His only surviving house, on either side of the Atlantic. You half expect him to answer the door.
“America is lost”
King George III on horseback, facing west. Facing America. The lament lingers: “America is lost! Must we fall beneath the blow?” History, caught mid-thought.
Pastoral interlude
We stroll through St James’s Park with its Louisiana pelicans…
Soft power
And so we come to the elegant arcade where Taylor Swift, Pennsylvania’s most famous modern citizen (with apologies to founding father William Penn), buys her chocolates. Proof that Anglo-American relations now come wrapped in cellophane.
Allies, outliers and oh say can you see
Wartime friendships forged under pressure. And fiercely independent – a law unto itself – Texas striking out on its own. Native American stories too often edged out of the Revolutionary narrative.
What links Pocahontas, the state of Virginia and American independence to a hoary with age and very classy London tobacco store? And Grosvenor Square – “Little America” – where Ronald Reagan, Eleanor Roosevelt and Dwight Eisenhower all step into view.
A reminder that American independence didn’t end an argument. It started one.
Tea without the tantrum
We finish with a tea party – a celebratory cup of tea and cake in a former church affectionately known as the American church. An American church attended by Eleanor Roosevelt and General later President Dwight Eisenhower. It’s now a thriving food hall.
No tea in the Thames.
Plenty of history underfoot.
Coda
Come and walk the American Revolution where you least expect it.
“In war and peace, in prosperity and in time of economic hardship, America has no better friend and no more dependable ally than the United Kingdom.” (Louis Susman, ex US Ambassador).
Where the walk ends
The Happy Birthday America! London Walk ends at either Grosvenor Square or in nearby New Bond Street. There are some steps. But a step-free alternative route is possible. Please let us know in advance.
Tim Gifford –
I joined this fascinating walk on 18th June and thoroughly enjoyed the interesting information about key characters involved in America’s split from Britain, also the consequential mutual benefits for both countries over the the last 250 years. Most of the group were American visitors which enabled an even wider contribution of knowledge, facts and anecdotes. Dr Ann is an excellent guide and made the whole walk very enjoyable. If you have the opportunity, join this walk.
Donna –
What a wonderful walk to celebrate America’s 250th birthday by joining Dr Ann and the amazing tidbits she shared! From Benjamin Franklin’s house to George Washington standing only on Virginia soil and a special hat shop where we had an opportunity to look around. Ann is a very knowledgeable guide and easy to learn from. Also, our group was a small and manageable size so we could easily hear. Highly recommend this walk!!
Donna Mcgehee –
Dr Ann provided wonderful stories and insight into the separation of Britain and America. She is very knowledgeable and provided an opportunity to stop in and look around in a few charming shops! Lovely day in London with a small group, easy to hear her and keep up! Highly recommended.
Emma-Louise Browning –
Anne is a charming and knowledgeable guide, imparting gems of knowledge in an accessible way. I hope to join more of her walks in the future.
D Tang –
I had a wonderful time. Ann showed us spots I would not have known about otherwise and told us the stories tied to the objects and places.
Nadeem Khan –
(Dr) Ann weaved a wonderful narrative from independence to special relationship. She is disarming in her engagement and her understated keen intellect…an excellent walk.
Ashley Krotosky –
An excellent, informative and hugely entertaining walk, guided by Ann. Well structured, with a lot of ground covered both in terms of the theme and distance. I recommend it very highly.
LD –
A hugely enjoyable, fun walk that gives a lively account of the role of London’s streets and squares in the story of the American Revolution. Ann is a joy as a guide. She manages to impart great information in a warm, inclusive and charming way. A great way to spend two hours.
Suzanne Foreman –
A really inclusive, interesting and enjoyable walk, delivered with warmth and humour. I learnt a lot…. Thank you Dr Ann!
Laura –
A great walk. We learned a lot about the intertwined history of our two nations. Ann was a very engaging guide, full of knowledge and also inquisitive and eager to learn more. She had such a fun idea for a “Happy Birthday 250” walk. Highly recommended!