Step into the City of London’s earliest trading story, where money, power and people have been colliding for nearly 2,000 years.
Judith Kent, London-born lawyer, international development specialist and London Walks guide, in the heart of the City.
With lawyer and governance specialist Judith Kent as your guide, we begin with the Romans, whose settlement of Londinium grew up around the now-lost Walbrook river, and follow the City’s transformation from Roman riverside settlement to medieval trading powerhouse.
Along the way we visit ancient and working wharves on the Thames, the river that powered London’s early growth; historic livery halls associated with the Mercers, Skinners and Vintners; and churches, alleys and lanes that reveal a City built on wool, cloth, luxury furs, wine and relentless commercial ambition.
But this isn’t just a story about commodities. It’s about people, and especially the outsiders who helped make London rich: Romans, Anglo-Saxons, Hanseatic merchants, Jewish financiers and generations of apprentices who came in from beyond the City walls.
Judith has spent much of her working life studying how power works, who holds it and who benefits from it. On this walk, she turns that eye on the City itself, uncovering the people, institutions and trading networks that made London London.
A City craftsman at work. The cordwainers were among London’s historic makers of fine leather shoes.
Along the way, we unravel fact from fiction for Richard (Dick) Whittington: a successful Mercer and four‑time Lord Mayor – but did he have a cat?
Dick Whittington and his cat, immortalised in stained glass in the City of London.
The walk takes us up to the 1600s with London’s first steps toward global expansion, finishing at magnificent Guildhall, the enduring symbol of its merchant power.
Guildhall, City of London. Photo: Prioryman / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0.
DON’T JUST TAKE IT FROM US
“London as you’ve never seen it before! Judith’s tour was absolutely fascinating. I could easily have spent the whole day listening to her.” Caroline R.
“A real treat. The best guide I’ve experienced.” Louisa H.
“A whole new light on familiar streets” Lucy R.
“Had us enthralled with her knowledge and enthusiasm. Thanks, Judith.” Nick R.
“Judith was brilliant – informative, enthusiastic – perfectly paced.” Louise C.
“Incredibly engaging” Abbie
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