Burnings, Butchery & Black Death: A Walking Tour of London's Bloody Past

London, GB
100% of travellers recommend this
Excellent (232 reviews)

Included

  • inclusion
    Tour

Excluded

  • exclusion
    Gratuities

Meeting Point

We meet outside Barbican Station exit. Please aim to arrive five minutes early as the tour will start on time. If you aren't able to make the tour or you will be late, please message me on +44 7783 401 129 so that I know whether to send you our live location on WhatsApp.

Meeting point

Underground Ltd, Aldersgate St, Barbican, London EC1A 4JA , United Kingdom

End point

End Point

On Ely Place, around the corner from Farringdon Station

Meeting point

London , United Kingdom

End point

What to expect

1

The Charterhouse

A fourteenth century monastery and plague pit

Duration 10 minutes
2

Smithfield Market

A one thousand year old meat market

Duration 10 minutes
3

St John's Gate

The home of the medieval Knights Hospitallers

Duration 10 minutes
4

Cloth Fair

A quiet alley with a noisy history

Duration 10 minutes
5

WIlliam Wallace Memorial

The memorial to William Wallace, aka Braveheart

Duration 10 minutes
6

Church of St. Bartholomew the Great

London's oldest surviving parish church

Duration 10 minutes
Admission Admission Included
7

Golden Boy of Pye Corner

The site where the Great Fire of 1666 died out, and of eighteenth century ghost hysteria

Duration 10 minutes
8

Holborn Viaduct

The site of the River Fleet, Victorian London's largest open air sewer

Duration 10 minutes
9

Ye Olde Mitre

A hidden gem of a pub, hidden down an alleyway

Duration 10 minutes
10

Saint Bartholomew's Hospital Museum

The oldest surviving hospital in the country

Duration 10 minutes

The experience can be subject to change due to bad weather or unforseen circumstances. We always endeavour to give you the best possible experience.

Additional Information

  • Additional information
    Service animals allowed
  • Additional information
    Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Additional information
    Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Provided by Historic London Tours

What our experts say

  • icon
    Arrive 5 mins early at Barbican Station.
  • icon
    Visit nearby Ye Olde Mitre pub after.
  • icon
    Check out St. Bartholomew's Hospital Museum.
  • icon
    Bring a camera for memorable sights.
  • icon
    Wear comfortable shoes for walking.

More About this Experience

Introduction

Step into the dark and intriguing streets of London's past with the Burnings, Butchery & Black Death: A Walking Tour of London's Bloody Past. This captivating tour will take you on a journey through a thousand years of history, uncovering the gruesome tales of burnings, butchery, and the haunting presence of the Black Death. Led by experienced guides, you will explore the areas around Smithfield, immersing yourself in the chilling stories that have shaped the city's infamous reputation. From the disposal of Black Death corpses to the execution methods of the Middle Ages, this tour will provide a fascinating insight into London's dark past.

What to expect?

Prepare to be captivated as you delve deep into London's bloody past. Throughout the tour, you can anticipate hearing spine-chilling tales of kings and queens, body snatchers, and even encounter the ghost of an eighteenth-century figure. You will walk in the footsteps of Charles Dickens, as he used the notorious slums in this area as the backdrop for Oliver Twist. Discover the secrets and mysteries hidden within the streets of London, as you learn about the city's history of burnings, butchery, and the devastating impact of the Black Death.

Who is this for?

This tour is perfect for history enthusiasts, thrill-seekers, and anyone with a curious mind. Whether you are a local Londoner looking to uncover the hidden stories of your city or a traveler seeking a unique and immersive experience, this tour is designed for you. The tour is suitable for individuals of all ages, as long as they have an interest in history and a taste for the macabre. Step out of the ordinary and embrace the dark side of London's past with this unforgettable walking tour.

Why book this?

Embark on this one-of-a-kind walking tour to unlock the secrets and mysteries of London's bloody past. Immerse yourself in the tales of burnings, butchery, and the haunting presence of the Black Death, as you explore the atmospheric streets of Smithfield. Led by knowledgeable guides, this tour offers a unique opportunity to witness the history of London come alive before your eyes. From the execution methods used in the Middle Ages to the slums that inspired Charles Dickens, every step of this tour will leave you in awe. By booking this tour, you will gain a deeper understanding of London's history and its impact on the present.

Good to know

This walking tour begins outside Barbican Station and concludes near Farringdon Station, covering a distance of approximately two miles. The tour will last around two hours, during which you will be transported back in time through vivid storytelling and historical reenactments. To ensure an intimate and enjoyable experience, ticket sales are limited to fifteen attendees. So, make sure to book your spot in advance to secure your place on this captivating journey through London's bloody past.

Reviews

Previous participants of the Burnings, Butchery & Black Death: A Walking Tour of London's Bloody Past have praised the tour for its gripping storytelling and immersive experience. Many have commended the knowledgeable guides who bring history to life, making it feel as though participants have traveled back in time. Visitors have also expressed their appreciation for the limited group size, allowing for a more intimate and personalized experience. Overall, reviews highlight the tour's ability to provide a unique perspective on London's history, leaving participants with a newfound fascination for the city's dark past. Don't miss out on the opportunity to embark on this unforgettable journey through London's captivating and chilling history.

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