Legends & Myths – the Archaeology of London Walking Tour

There is no need to book for this walk Just meet the guide at the time and place stated.

SUNDAY 30th January  2022 at 2.30 pm

The walk tells the story of London’s myths and legends and the Celtic Festival of Imbolc.

It is led by Kevin Flude, a former archaeologist at the Museum of London, who has an interest both in the archaeological evidence as well as the myths and legends of London’s origin.

This live, outdoor, shoe-leather-on-pavement guided walking tour is one of a series about London’s Myths and Legends which take place on or around one of the significant festivals of the Celtic calendar. On this tour we celebrate Imbolc, the festival halfway between the winter and the Summer Solstice that celebrates the first signs of the coming of spring. The day is also dedicated to St Bridget, or St Bride.

The walk begins with the tale of London’s legendary origins in the Bronze Age by an exiled Trojan called Brutus. Stories of Bladud, Bellinus, Bran and Arthur will be interspersed with how they fit in with archaeological discoveries. As we explore the City we also look at the evidence for ‘Celtic’ origins of London and how Imbolc may have been celebrated in early London.

Our out-in-London, on-the-ground exploration of this facet of the London story starts at Tower Hill, then down to the River Thames at Billingsgate, to London Bridge and Southwark Cathedral, to the Roman Forum at the top of Cornhill, into the valley of the River Walbrook, passed the Temple of Mithras, along Cheapside to the Roman Amphitheatre, and finishing up at St Brides.