Learn how London established itself as one of the greatest cities in the world at this epic tour with historian and broadcaster Dr. Matthew Green. During the tour, you’ll explore four of the city’s most historic thoroughfares: Cornhill, Cheapside, Fleet Street and the Strand. ‘These four streets’, wrote a Swiss traveller to London in 1725, ‘are, I imagine, the finest in Europe’, with their history stretching back to Roman times.
This whirlwind walking tour starts inside the gardens of the Church of St. Peter’s in Cornhill. You’ll begin by discovering how Cornhill became the epicentre of a global trading empire, and how Fleet Street emerged as the nerve-centre of Britain’s publishing industry. Then, you’ll explore the history of Cheapside, the seat of civic power, and the Strand, a glitzy parade of theatres, taverns and music halls.
Along the way, you’ll visit both iconic sites such as Somerset House, the sole surviving riverside palace, and lesser-known gems, from London’s first coffeehouse to the site of a chilling hermit’s cell. You’ll leave the tour buzzing with knowledge about the history of London and a newfound appreciation of how the city is changing in the 21st century.
More about your teacher…
Dr. Matthew Green is the author of the acclaimed book London: A Travel Guide Through Time, which has been described by the Londonist as ‘easily the best social history of London for a decade’. He also writes historical features for the Guardian and Financial Times among others, and has contributed to many TV and radio documentaries. He’s the founder of Unreal City Audio and tweets as @drmatthewgreen.
Details
Date: Saturday 6 August 2016
Times: 1.30pm-5.30pm
Location: Meeting point – inside the gardens of the Church of St Peter’s, Cornhill, London EC3V 9DS. Click here to view a map
Price: £89 (includes VAT, booking fee, and refreshments)
Event capacity: 24
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