Tower Hill underground station, London (meet by the Tower Hill Tram coffee stand)
Day | Walk Type | Start Time | End Time | ||
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Tuesday | Weekly | 2.30 pm | 4.30 pm | Winter Summer | Reserve Online |
Short read: A new walk. Exactly what it says on the tin. Served up by nonpareil, well-connected guides Mary B. and David P. One of them a former London Mayor. Both – it almost goes without saying, this – professionally qualified (City of London and Blue Badge, respectively).
Good listen: Here’s a great podcast guide David did about How the City Got Rich – the walk and the history.
Longer read: “Since Dick Whittington first came to the City of London 600 years ago, people have thought of the streets of London as ‘paved with gold’. Exploring ancient City of London alleyways – finding and opening up to view the historic hotspots – we piece it together, make the connections, decipher it, discover how (and why) thanks to merchant shipping, monarchy, Methodism, Mercers (Whittington’s ‘Livery Company’ that still thrives today) and much more, including, yes, coffee houses, London came to be so much richer than Luton, Lisbon or Lima.”
How the City Got Rich takes place at 2.30 pm every Tuesday. The meeting point is just outside the exit of Tower Hill Tube. Meet David P. and co. by the Tower Hill Tram coffee stall.
“by far the most impressive series of walks that I have ever encountered are those offered by London Walks” Travel and Enjoy
“the unfailingly fascinating London Walks… If you can’t find one [of their tours] that captures your fancy, maybe you really are tired of life.” San Francisco Chronicle
If you can’t make one of the regularly scheduled, just-turn-up, public How the City Got Rich walks do think about booking one as a private tour. If you go private you can have the How the City Got Rich walk – or any other London Walk – on a day and at a time that suits your convenience. We’ll tailor it to your requirements. Ring Fiona or Niamh or Peter or Mary on 020 7624 3978 or email us at [email protected] and we’ll set it up and make it happen for you. A private London Walk – they’re good value for an individual or couple and sensational value for a group – makes an ideal group or educational or birthday party or office (team-building) or club outing.
A private London Walk makes a seriously special, thoughtful and unusual gift – be it a birthday or anniversary or graduation or Christmas present or whatever. Merchandise schmerchandise (gift wrapped or not) – but giving someone an experience, now that’s special. Memories make us rich.
Richard Harrington –
Did this walk today with Rick as our guide. I worked in the city for 50 years teaching people about the financial centre but Rick uncovered much more than I thought I knew. Really great afternoon spent wandering the streets of the greatest city in the world
Jill A. –
We went on this tour on April 9 and loved it. We were interested in exploring a part of the city that we had not seen much of and we wanted to learn more about London’s history. David P. provided us with all of that and more. David happily guided us around and through many different buildings and areas and shared his vast knowledge of London’s economic and political history. There is something for everyone on this tour. I highly recommend it and especially David P.
Carolyn Riddell-Carre –
This was brilliant. Roman remains – under a hairdresser. A river – on a rooftop. David P showed us nooks and crannies of fascination. I’m 70+. My great-nieces are 13 & 11. We all loved it. I’ve done a number of these walks over the years. This was particularly interesting. Don’t miss it!
Bettie –
How London got rich: a wonderful walk guided by David P. My husband and I are experienced ‘London Walkers’ and this was one of the best. Despite the pouring rain!!! David tells a lot of interesting stories. And facts. We are from the Netherlands and as David said: London and Holland both ‘got rich’ for similar reasons. We got to places where we wouldn’t have gone without our guide. We will be back in a few months with friends who have never been to London before and then we will do the walk again. That says it all, doesn’t it?
Christoph Karner –
As a London walks regular (with a long COVID break) I had the great pleasure to meet David for the first time.
He really is a great, very knowledgeable guide
and entertaining,too.
I learnt things, which I still didn’t know after having attended many walks.
Yes, London is inexhaustable, and David is a guide with his own style.
Highly recommended.
You will not be disappointed.
Marcus –
The walk “How the City got rich” run by Mary was excellent, lots of great stories and insights, I learnt a lot of new things!
Nina –
Outstanding tour-we’re SO glad we signed up for this. David did a fantastic job of keeping us informed and entertained, and showing us/ sharing with us information that we would never have known without him. I can’t say enough good things about this tour.
Nancy & Miguel –
Context and history came to life in Mary’s narrative. What could’ve been a dry exercise in dates and numbers turned into a revealing glimpse of London’s evolving power and wealth. Mary’s strength as a historian is that she connects the dots to make history engaging.
Jane N –
We thoroughly enjoyed the Old Westminster tour yesterday . Simon was very knowledgeable and amusing. Lots of detail which have been missed without his expertise. We have done several walks and will be back for more.
Chris M –
My uncle and i have enjoyed many of the walking tours over the years. Such a splendid and fun way to get to know more about London and it’s rich history! We particularly enjoyed this tour thanks to David’s welcoming and uplifting character. Such a great companion for a little but extensive time travel!