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

Exploring London’s Dark Side: Burnings, Butchery & Black Death Walking Tour

If you’re interested in London’s more gruesome tales, this small-group walking tour offers a fascinating glimpse into the city’s most notorious episodes—covering over a thousand years of history packed into just two hours. For a reasonable price of around $27.50, you’ll visit historic sites like London’s oldest parish church, a medieval meat market, and a plague pit from the 14th century. Led by passionate guides, this tour is both educational and entertaining, perfect for those who love history with a dark twist.

What we especially appreciate is how the tour’s stops highlight hidden corners of the city that many visitors might overlook—like a quiet alley with a gruesome past and a pub that’s been around since the 15th century. The small group size guarantees personalized attention, making it easier to ask questions and soak up stories at each stop.

One potential consideration is that the tour covers a lot of ground in a short time, so if you prefer a leisurely pace or want to spend more time at specific sites, it might feel a bit brisk. But overall, this experience is ideal for history buffs, curious travelers, or anyone interested in seeing London’s more sinister side. If you enjoy stories of the Black Death, medieval executions, and Victorian sewer systems, this tour is a perfect fit.

Key Points

• Historical breadth: Covers over 1,000 years of London’s dark history in just 2 hours
• Personalized experience: Small groups (max 15) ensure attentive guiding and engaging stories
• Hidden gems: Visits include lesser-known sites like a medieval monastery and a ghostly pub
• Expert guides: Guides like Tom are praised for their knowledge, humor, and storytelling skills
• Value for money: At just over $27, the tour offers a rich, immersive experience
• Ideal for: Visitors who enjoy a mix of history, legends, and atmospheric city walks

A Deep Dive into London’s Bloody Past

Starting Point and First Impressions

The tour kicks off near Aldersgate Street, in a convenient central location close to Farringdon Station. From the moment we meet our guide, the focus on personalized attention becomes clear—groups are capped at 15, ensuring everyone can hear and participate. It’s great that the tour begins on foot, giving us a real sense of the city’s neighborhoods, rather than just viewing from a bus or static site.

The Charterhouse: Medieval Monastery and Plague Pit

Our first stop, The Charterhouse, dates back to the 14th century and was once a monastery and later a hospice. We learn that this site also served as a plague pit—a haunting reminder of medieval London’s struggles with Black Death. Our guide points out its surviving features and explains how this site was integral during times of crisis. It’s a powerful start—seeing a place where history and tragedy are physically intertwined.

Smithfield Market: A Thousand-Year-Old Meat Market

Next, we stroll to Smithfield Market, which has been a hub for butchers and meat trade for over a millennium. The lively atmosphere of the market stands in stark contrast to the dark stories we hear about public executions that often took place nearby. As one reviewer noted, this stop offers a fascinating glimpse into medieval commerce and public spectacle.

St John’s Gate and Cloth Fair: Medieval & Ghostly Tales

We visit St John’s Gate, the old entrance to the Knights Hospitaller’s hospital, which sparks tales of knights, chivalry, and medieval Londoners’ tough lives. Then, we wander down Cloth Fair, an alley with a surprisingly noisy history—once home to tanners and cloth workers who were notoriously rough and sometimes involved in darker deeds.

William Wallace Memorial & Oldest Parish Church

A quick stop at the William Wallace Memorial pays homage to the Scottish hero, while St Bartholomew the Great—London’s oldest surviving parish church—offers a peaceful, ancient setting. As one reviewer remarked, the guide’s storytelling makes even these tranquil sites come alive with stories of turbulent times.

The Great Fire and Victorian London’s Sewer System

The tour continues to Golden Boy of Pye Corner, the site marking the end of the Great Fire of 1666 and infamous for ghost stories from the 18th century. From there, we head to Holborn Viaduct, where the River Fleet once flowed—later transformed into London’s largest open-air sewer during Victorian times. These locations underscore how urban development and public health disasters shaped London’s history.

Hidden Pubs and Hospitals

Our walk wraps up at the Ye Olde Mitre, a cozy pub hidden down an alley, perfect for reflecting on our journey. Finally, St Bartholomew’s Hospital Museum—the oldest hospital in the country—reminds us of London’s long-standing commitment to healthcare amid the city’s darker episodes.

The Experience: What It Feels Like

Throughout the tour, guides like Tom receive high praise for their knowledge, humor, and engaging storytelling. As one reviewer put it, “Tom was an exceptional guide. The tour was full of interesting information that was filled with intrigue, history, and snippets of local stories.” Their ability to weave history, legends, and urban legends makes each stop memorable.

The small group size (up to 15 travelers) means you won’t be lost in a crowd. You can ask questions freely, and the guide can tailor parts of the commentary to match your interests. The pace is brisk but manageable, with each stop lasting about 10 minutes—just enough time to absorb the stories without feeling rushed.

Value and Practical Considerations

For just over $27, this tour offers exceptional value—you get a curated walk through some of London’s most haunting stories and iconic sites. It’s a good choice for history lovers and those curious about London’s darker episodes. The inclusion of sites like London’s oldest church and the plague pit makes it especially attractive for anyone interested in medieval or Victorian history.

A small potential drawback is the pace—if you prefer a more relaxed exploration or schedule, you might find parts of it hurried. Also, the tour is weather-dependent, so a rainy day could make walking less comfortable, though the guide’s storytelling helps distract from a drizzle.

Who Would Enjoy This Tour Most?

This experience is perfect for history enthusiasts, especially those fascinated by medieval plagues, executions, and urban legends. Families with older children who enjoy stories of ghosts and historical mysteries will find it engaging. If you’re visiting London and want to see a different side of the city—beyond the Tower or Westminster—this walk offers a unique perspective on how dark episodes shaped London’s identity.

Those who appreciate small-group tours will love the interactive nature, and anyone eager to discover hidden corners of London’s historic streets** will find plenty to love. It’s also a fantastic way to combine sightseeing with storytelling, making the city’s past feel alive.

The Sum Up

This 2-hour walk through London’s bloody past is a well-priced, engaging experience that offers a compelling look into the city’s darker episodes. With knowledgeable guides like Tom, you’ll hear stories that bring history to life—whether it’s tales of plague, public executions, or Victorian sewer systems. The carefully curated stops provide a mixture of historic sites, legends, and atmospheric streets that most visitors won’t discover on their own.

Ideal for those who want to understand London’s rougher history with authenticity and humor, this tour offers a perfect balance of entertainment and education. It’s especially suited for travelers with a curiosity for the macabre or medieval, and for anyone who enjoys small-group experiences with a passionate guide.

If you’re not afraid of a little gore or ghost stories, and want a more intimate, authentic view of London, this tour is a must-do. It’s a chance to see a city that’s been through fire, plague, and revolution—stories that still echo through its ancient streets today.

FAQ

How long is the tour?
The tour lasts approximately 2 hours, covering about 10 stops along a walk through historic London streets.

Where does the tour start and end?
It begins at Underground Ltd, Aldersgate Street, and finishes in Ely Place, near Farringdon Station.

Is it suitable for children?
Most travelers can participate, but given the dark themes, it’s best for older children or those interested in history and legends.

Do I need to book in advance?
Yes, most travelers book about 37 days ahead, and the tour is highly recommended.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the tour starts.

What’s included in the price?
The tour fee covers the guided walk. There are no additional charges for sites visited, as many stops are free.

Are tickets mobile?
Yes, you will receive a mobile ticket, making it easy to join on the day.

Is there any extra admission needed?
Most stops are free, but some sites may offer optional paid entry—though not necessary for this tour.

What’s the best way to prepare?
Wear comfortable shoes for walking and bring an umbrella if the weather looks unpredictable.

In summary, Burnings, Butchery & Black Death is a thoughtfully curated way to peel back the layers of London’s darker history, all told with lively storytelling and genuine passion. It’s a solid choice for anyone eager to see a different side of London—one filled with stories of fire, plague, and ghostly legends, all wrapped into a memorable two-hour walk.