The Scandalous Square Mile walking tour offers a captivating exploration of London’s financial district, delving into the city’s dark history. Guided by a qualified expert, you will uncover stories of public humiliation, brutal punishments, and shocking crimes that have shaped the evolution of justice and the human condition. From infamous sites like Newgate Prison to historic pubs, this 1.5-hour tour promises to take visitors on a thought-provoking journey through the City’s scandalous past. The tour concludes at Smithfield, where the legacy of scandal and execution comes to life through immersive storytelling, leaving participants intrigued and eager to learn more.
Good To Know
- A 1.5-hour walking tour exploring the dark and scandalous history of London’s financial district, led by a qualified Green Badge guide.
- Highlights include Newgate Prison, infamous pubs, and the "Walk of Shame" from the prison to the public pillory.
- Focuses on the evolution of justice and the human condition, with examples of brutal punishments like public hangings and burning at the stake.
- Visits Smithfield, known for its dark legacy of raucous carnivals, executions, and the dubious medical practices of "Doctor Death."
- Explores the scandalous events that took place in Guildhall Yard, St. Mary Le Bow Church, and St. Paul’s Cathedral Churchyard.
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Welcome to the Scandalous Square Mile
Step into the heart of London’s financial district, the Square Mile, and uncover its scandalous past. This 1.5-hour walking tour delves into the City’s dark side, led by a qualified Green Badge guide.
Explore the site of London’s notorious Newgate Prison, where public executions once drew gawking crowds. Walk the path that inspired a scene in Game of Thrones, and raise a glass at a pub named after the city’s infamous "dodgy doctor."
From Moorgate to Smithfield, uncover the Square Mile’s sordid history, from raucous carnivals to grisly executions. Prepare to be shocked and entertained as you discover the scandalous secrets of this financial powerhouse.
Unveiling London’s Notorious Prison
As the tour ventures deeper into the City, the group arrives at the site of Newgate Prison, London’s most notorious jail. This forbidding structure loomed over the landscape for centuries, its grim facade a symbol of the harsh realities of justice in bygone eras. Visitors learn about the prison’s sordid history, from the public executions that drew immense crowds to the atrocious living conditions that earned Newgate an infamous reputation.
| Infamous Inmates | Brutal Punishments |
|---|---|
| – Highwayman Dick Turpin | – Public Hangings |
| – Fraudster Jonathan Wild | – Burning at the Stake |
| – Radical preacher John Twyn | – Imprisonment in Squalid Cells |
| – Pirate Captain Kidd | – Corporal Punishment |
The tour provides a window into this dark chapter of London’s past, inviting participants to contemplate the evolving nature of justice and the human condition.
The Real-Life Walk of Shame
From the site of Newgate Prison, the tour follows a path that once led to a place of public humiliation.
Participants will walk in the footsteps of those forced to make the "walk of shame" from the prison to the pillory in Cheapside. This grueling procession was a common punishment, where offenders were paraded through the streets, jeered at, and pelted with rotten produce.
The tour guide will explain how this ritual inspired a notorious scene in the television series Game of Thrones.
Along the way, the group will learn about the sordid history of this notorious neighborhood and the shocking crimes that once took place in the heart of the City of London.
Raising a Glass to a Dodgy Doctor
The tour concludes at Smithfield, a neighborhood notorious for its raucous carnivals and grisly public executions.
The final stop is at a pub named after London’s most infamous doctor – "Doctor Death". Visitors can raise a glass to the life of John Badcock, a 19th-century surgeon with an unsavory reputation.
His dubious medical practices and numerous patient deaths earned him the morbid nickname. The pub serves as a tribute to this shady figure, where guests can learn more about his scandalous legacy.
As the tour ends, participants are left with a deeper understanding of the City of London’s darker history.
4 Key Details:
- Final stop at a pub named after "Doctor Death"
- Infamous surgeon John Badcock had a notorious reputation
- Pub serves as a tribute to Badcock’s shady legacy
- Tour ends with deeper understanding of London’s darker history
Exploring Guildhall Yard’s Scandalous Past
After exploring the sordid legacy of London’s notorious "Doctor Death", the tour moves on to Guildhall Yard – the site of some of the city’s most scandalous events.
This historic square was once home to the city’s old Guildhall, a hub of political intrigue and power struggles.
Visitors will learn about the failed Bye-Plot of 1603, a Catholic conspiracy to assassinate King James I, which was uncovered in Guildhall Yard.
They’ll also discover the stories behind the public executions and humiliations that took place here, from traitors being hanged, drawn and quartered to adulterers being forced to do the "walk of shame".
St Mary Le Bow Church’s Secrets
Leaving behind the dark history of Guildhall Yard, the tour next explores the secrets hidden within the walls of St Mary le Bow church. This 12th-century structure is renowned for its distinctive Bow bells, which have rung out across London for centuries.
But the church’s past holds even more intrigue, from its role in the English Civil War to its connections to the infamous "Bow Street Runners" police force.
Visitors will discover:
- The church’s link to the legend of "Cockney" identity.
- The hidden chamber where Civil War soldiers hid from advancing armies.
- The former Bow Street Runners station located beneath the church’s foundations.
- The chilling history of the "Hanging Judge" who presided over trials nearby.
Discovering St Paul’s Cathedral Churchyard
From St Mary le Bow church, the walking tour now ventures towards the iconic St Paul’s Cathedral, where visitors will uncover the secrets hidden within its historic churchyard.
The churchyard was once a bustling hub, home to a notorious market, gallows, and even a prison. Explore the dark history of this sacred space, where public executions and scandalous activities once took place.
Wander amidst the gravestones and memorials, uncovering the stories of those who met their demise in this hallowed ground.
The walking tour offers a fascinating glimpse into the city’s past, blending historical accounts with immersive storytelling to bring the churchyard’s shadowy past to life.
Smithfield’s Raucous Carnivals and Grisly Executions
The tour now culminates in Smithfield, a historic district long associated with raucous carnivals and grisly executions.
This notorious area has witnessed a tumultuous past, from medieval livestock markets to public hangings.
Some key highlights include:
-
The Smithfield Martyrs, who were burned at the stake during the Marian persecutions in the 16th century.
-
The gruesome public executions that took place on the square, drawing large crowds.
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The annual St. Bartholomew Fair, a lively carnival that ran for centuries, known for its rowdy atmosphere and questionable entertainment.
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The imposing Smithfield Market, one of the oldest meat markets in the world, with a history of scandal and violence.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can the Tour Accommodate Large Groups?
Yes, the tour can accommodate large groups. The tour operates rain or shine, and customers should check availability for starting times to ensure they can book spots for their desired group size.
Is There a Discount for Students or Seniors?
There’s no specific discount for students or seniors on this tour. However, the tour operator may offer group discounts for larger parties. It’s best to check with them directly for any available deals or promotions.
Can the Tour Be Customized to Focus on Specific Interests?
Yes, the tour can be customized to focus on specific interests. Customers can work with the tour guide to tailor the experience to their preferred topics or areas of interest within the City of London’s scandalous past.
Are There Options for Private or Exclusive Tours?
Yes, the tour can be customized for private or exclusive groups. Guests can book a private tour to focus on their specific interests and have the guide’s undivided attention throughout the experience.
What Is the Cancellation Policy if the Weather Is Poor?
The tour operates rain or shine, so the cancellation policy remains the same regardless of the weather. Customers can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
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Sum Up
The Scandalous Square Mile walking tour offers a captivating exploration of London’s financial district, delving into its dark history. Participants uncover stories of public humiliation, brutal punishments, and shocking crimes, tracing the evolution of justice and the human condition. The tour concludes at Smithfield, where the legacy of scandal and execution comes to life through immersive storytelling, providing a unique and eye-opening experience.