Burnings, Butchery & Black Death: Londons Bloody Past

London’s history is a dark and grisly tale, laced with stories of unspeakable violence and human suffering. From the horrors of the Black Death to the gruesome executions that took place in the shadows of Smithfield Market, the city’s past is steeped in blood. Uncover the shocking secrets hidden within the cobblestoned streets – from the ill-fated Sir William Wallace’s tragic end to the transformation of once-squalid slums. Delve deeper, and you’ll discover a city that’s been forged through fire, plague, and brutal acts that still haunt its very foundations.

Good To Know

• This walking tour explores London’s gruesome past, including executions, the Black Death epidemic, and Smithfield’s history as a site for animal and human slaughter.
• Participants will learn about infamous figures from London’s history, such as body snatchers, Charles Dickens, and William Wallace.
• The tour covers approximately 2 miles and lasts 2 hours, with stops at key historical sites like Charterhouse Square, Smithfield Market, and St Bartholomew’s Hospital.
• The tour is limited to 15 attendees for an enhanced experience and is conducted in English, with the option for free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
• Positive customer reviews highlight the tour guide’s extensive knowledge, engaging presentation, and the combination of historical facts, myths, and humor.

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Charterhouse Square’s Dark History

Charterhouse Square’s dark history begins with its origins as a plague pit, where countless victims of the Black Death were hastily interred in the 14th century.

Beneath the tranquil green space, thousands of bodies lie in unmarked graves, a grim reminder of the devastation wrought by the pandemic.

Over the centuries, the square has also witnessed other macabre events, from public executions to the infamous activities of body snatchers.

Today, visitors can still feel the weight of this dark past, as the square’s somber atmosphere seems to linger, whispering of the tragedies that have unfolded within its bounds.

Executions at Smithfield Market

For centuries, Smithfield Market in London bore witness to some of the most gruesome public executions in the city’s history.

Heretics, criminals, and political dissidents were hanged, drawn, and quartered at this notorious site. In the Middle Ages, the market’s vast open spaces provided ample room for the spectacle of execution.

Crowds would gather to watch as condemned individuals were brutally tortured and killed. The grisly remains were then displayed as a warning to others.

This macabre history has left an indelible mark on Smithfield, now a bustling commercial center but still haunted by the ghosts of its bloody past.

Disposal of Black Death Victims

During the devastating outbreak of the Black Death in 14th-century London, the city’s authorities faced an overwhelming task of disposing the bodies of thousands of victims.

With graveyards filling up rapidly, the officials resorted to desperate measures. Mass graves were hastily dug in areas like Smithfield, where the corpses were buried in layers.

In some cases, the bodies were simply dumped into the River Thames, polluting the water supply.

The sheer scale of the death toll pushed the city’s infrastructure to its limits, as London struggled to cope with the horrific consequences of the plague pandemic.

The Grisly Secrets of Cloth Fair

As the tour winds its way through the labyrinth of Cloth Fair, the guide uncovers the grisly secrets that have long been shrouded in the shadows of this historic district.

Hidden behind the picturesque facade, this area was once a hub of gruesome activities. Cloth Fair was infamous for its body snatchers, who’d steal fresh corpses from nearby graveyards to sell to medical students for anatomical study.

The guide recounts tales of the macabre trade, sending shivers down the spines of the captivated group.

Amidst the quaint shops and charming alleyways, the dark history of Cloth Fair emerges, a stark contrast to its current tranquil appearance.

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St Bartholomew the Great’s Legacy

The group then moves on to St Bartholomew the Great, a medieval church that has borne witness to London’s tumultuous past.

Its origins date back to 1123 when it was founded as an Augustinian priory. Over the centuries, the church has endured fire, war, and upheaval. During the English Reformation, its Catholic monks were expelled, and the building was nearly destroyed.

Yet, it survived, and today stands as a testament to the resilience of this ancient city. Visitors can explore the church’s stunning architecture, including its ornate Norman-style nave, and learn about its storied history as a site of both worship and violence.

Sir William Wallace’s Tragic End

Leaving the hallowed halls of St Bartholomew the Great, the tour group now turns its attention to the tragic fate of Sir William Wallace, a revered Scottish patriot whose brutal execution at the hands of the English has become the stuff of legend.

The guide regales the group with the gory details of Wallace’s demise:

• Captured by the English in 1305, he was dragged through the streets of London, hanged, disemboweled, and then beheaded.
• His severed head was displayed on a spike on London Bridge as a gruesome warning to any who dared defy the crown.
• His limbs were sent to different parts of the kingdom, a horrific spectacle meant to crush any last vestiges of Scottish independence.

Wallace’s defiant spirit, however, lived on, inspiring generations of Scots to fight for their freedom.

Transformation of Smithfield Slums

From the dark and foreboding streets of Smithfield, the tour group now turns its gaze toward the neighborhood’s remarkable transformation.

Once a site of animal and human slaughter, Smithfield later fell into disrepair, becoming a notorious slum referenced in Dickens’ Oliver Twist.

But this gritty area didn’t stay that way. Over time, the market was rebuilt, and the surrounding neighborhood underwent a gradual revival.

Today, Smithfield bustles with activity, its historic architecture serving as a backdrop for a thriving community.

The guide explains how this evolution mirrors London’s ability to reinvent itself, emerging from its bloody past to become the vibrant city it’s now.

The Golden Boy of Pye Corner

One of the more intriguing landmarks on the tour is the Golden Boy of Pye Corner, a bronze statue that marks the spot where the Great Fire of London is said to have been extinguished in 1666.

The statue depicts a young, chubby boy with a mischievous grin, representing the belief that the fire was a divine punishment for the city’s sinful ways.

Some fascinating facts about the Golden Boy:

• It was erected in 1688 to commemorate the end of the Great Fire.
• The statue faces north, the direction from which the fire originated.
• Its plump figure symbolizes the idea that gluttony and excess led to the disaster.
• The Golden Boy has become an enduring symbol of London’s resilience and rebirth after the devastating blaze.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Tour’s Cancellation Policy?

This walking tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, allowing customers to receive a full refund. This flexible booking policy gives customers the freedom to change their plans if needed.

Can the Tour Accommodate Dietary Restrictions?

The tour doesn’t explicitly mention accommodating dietary restrictions. However, it’s best to check with the tour provider in advance to see if they can cater to any special dietary needs you may have.

Is There an Age Limit or Requirements for Children?

The tour doesn’t have a specific age limit, but it’s recommended for older children and teens due to the dark historical content. Children under 12 should be accompanied by an adult.

Do the Tour Stops Involve Any Steep Hills or Difficult Terrain?

The walking tour covers approximately 2 miles and doesn’t involve any steep hills or difficult terrain. The route is mostly flat, making it accessible for most participants. However, comfortable walking shoes are recommended.

Are There Any Discounts Available for Students or Seniors?

Unfortunately, this tour doesn’t offer any discounts for students or seniors. The price is fixed at £20 per person. However, the small group size and engaging content make it a great value for all travelers.

Sum Up

London’s past was indeed a bloody one, marked by burnings, executions, and the ravages of the Black Death. From Charterhouse Square to Smithfield Market, the city’s streets have borne witness to grisly events that still captivate the imagination today. Yet, amidst the darkness, the resilience of the human spirit shines through in the enduring legacy of places like St Bartholomew the Great. London’s history is a complex tapestry, woven with both darkness and light.

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