Burnings, Butchery & Black Death: London’s Bloody Past

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

If you’re looking to step away from the typical tourist trail and instead learn about the more gruesome, fascinating layers of London’s history, this two-hour walking tour offers a compelling journey through centuries of dark tales. Starting just outside Barbican Station, your guide will lead you through areas like Smithfield, once notorious as a site of public slaughter and butchery, and into stories of Black Death mass burials, medieval executions, and Dickensian slums. For just under $27, you’ll gain a vivid picture of a city that’s seen both divine grandeur and brutal violence.

What we love most? First, the expert guides who blend storytelling with humor, making history lively rather than grim. Second, the tour’s focus on lesser-known facets of London’s past—like the actual methods of medieval executions and how the Black Death was handled—adds depth and authenticity. However, a potential consideration is the short walking distance—about two miles—which might be tight for those with mobility issues or who prefer more extensive exploration.

This tour appeals especially to history buffs, lovers of authentic stories, and anyone curious about the darker side of London’s evolution. If you enjoy well-rounded, fact-filled walking experiences that are both educational and entertaining, this is a solid choice.

Key Points

• Historical depth: Covers a thousand years of London’s darker episodes
• Expert guides: Knowledgeable, friendly, and able to explain complex history with humor
• Authentic sights: Visit iconic sites like Smithfield Market and St John’s Gate
• Accessible format: About two miles of walking, suitable for most with moderate fitness
• Limited groups: Max 15 participants, ensuring a personalized experience
• Value for money: At under $30, offers a comprehensive, engaging tour of London’s shadowy past

You can check availability for your dates here:

An In-Depth Look at the Tour Experience

Starting Point: Barbican Station

The tour kicks off conveniently just outside Barbican Station on Aldersgate Street. Meeting outside the station with a clear “Historic London Tours” sign, your guide will set the tone for what promises to be an engaging two hours. This is an ideal starting point if you’re already exploring the City of London, and it’s easy to reach via public transport.

First Stops: Charterhouse Square and Smithfield Market

The journey begins with a quick five-minute guided walk through Charterhouse Square, an area steeped in history. Here, you’ll hear about the site’s origins, and the guide’s storytelling makes the past come alive, even in a short stretch. Next, you’ll visit Smithfield Market, the heart of London’s historic slaughterhouses for centuries. Imagine the sounds and sights of cattle being processed, and learn about the area’s dark past as a site of public executions—a place where medieval justice was often quite brutal.

The Medieval Era and Black Death

The tour’s focus on Black Death is particularly impactful. The guide explains how London disposed of tens of thousands of corpses in the 1300s, a grim but crucial part of the city’s history. You might find that the gruesome details make the story more vivid—something many travelers find fascinating yet sobering.

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Churches with Stories: St. John’s Gate, St. Bartholomew’s, and Others

Next, you’ll visit St John’s Gate and St Bartholomew the Great, two historic churches that have witnessed centuries of London’s upheavals. If there are no services, they are open for exploration. Here, your guide might share stories about the medieval execution methods used right outside and how these sites played roles in London’s darker episodes.

William Wallace and Dickensian London

The tour includes a stop at the Sir William Wallace Memorial, where you’ll hear about the Scottish hero’s fate—an interesting detour into the broader history of resistance and execution. Then, walking through Cloth Fair and Ely Place, you get a sense of how the area transitioned from a brutal slaughterhouse zone to a notorious slum like the one Dickens depicted in Oliver Twist.

Notorious Sites: Golden Boy of Pye Corner and Smithfield Market

Your guide will point out the Golden Boy of Pye Corner, marking where the Great Fire of London was believed to have ended, but also where executions and violence persisted. The vibrant Smithfield Market remains a lively hub today but carries centuries of history beneath its bustling surface.

Final Stops and End of Tour

The tour concludes at Ely Place, wrapping up the journey while allowing you to reflect on London’s layered history. The walk’s total length is about two miles—manageable for most—making it a compact yet rich cultural experience.

Why This Tour Is a Treasure for History Enthusiasts

What sets this experience apart is the knowledgeable guides. According to reviews, guides like Tom “combine historical facts, myths, and humor,” which makes even the darkest stories more approachable. One reviewer mentions, “He told us many things and explained our doubts,” emphasizing the personal touch that boosts the value.

On top of that, the focus on specific, visceral stories, like how the Black Death corpses were disposed of or medieval execution methods, provides a vivid understanding that you won’t get from a standard history book or more superficial tours. The stories of William Wallace’s execution and Dickens’s depiction of Smithfield as a slum add layers of color to London’s past, making the tour particularly memorable.

Value and Practicality

At just under $27, the price is quite reasonable given the depth of storytelling and the small group size—limited to 15 participants for an intimate experience. The tour is well-structured, covering significant landmarks and stories without feeling rushed, and the 2-hour duration makes it suitable for those with tight schedules.

Considerations for Travelers

One thing to keep in mind is the walking distance—around two miles—which is not strenuous but does require comfortable shoes and a moderate level of mobility. The tour is not suitable for children under 13, so it’s best for older kids or adults interested in history.

Who Would Love This Tour?

This experience is perfect for travelers who enjoy authentic stories, detailed historical context, and lively guides. If you’re fascinated by the gritty, darker side of history—public executions, the Black Death, or London’s slum past—you’ll find this tour both enlightening and entertaining. History buffs, literature lovers, and those curious about the city’s less-glamorous past will appreciate how this tour ties all these threads together.

For anyone wanting a meaningful, well-guided exploration that adds depth to their understanding of London’s evolution, this tour offers excellent value and genuine insight.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the tour suitable for children?
This tour is not recommended for children under 13 due to the mature and sometimes grisly content about execution and disease.

How long does the tour last?
It lasts approximately 2 hours, covering about two miles of walking.

Where does the tour start and end?
It begins just outside Barbican Station on Aldersgate Street and ends near Farringdon Station at Ely Place.

Are all sites included in the ticket price?
Yes, the tour includes entry to churches if they are not holding services, along with the guided walk.

Can I cancel if I change my mind?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

How many people are in the group?
Groups are limited to 15 participants, ensuring a more personal experience.

Is there a specific language requirement?
The tour is conducted in English.

What should I wear or bring?
Comfortable walking shoes are recommended as you’ll be covering about two miles on foot.

Final Thoughts

If you’re eager to uncover the less-glamorous stories of London—from medieval executions to the Black Death and Dickensian slums—this tour offers a lively, well-informed way to do so. The small group size, expert guides, and focus on authentic sites make it both engaging and educational. It’s especially suited for those who enjoy stories that reveal the city’s grittier, often overlooked, past.

While it’s not a comprehensive historical tour, its specific focus on London’s darker episodes ensures an experience that’s both memorable and meaningful. For just about what you’d spend on a fancy coffee, you get a two-hour journey into the city’s most intriguing and sometimes disturbing stories—perfect for curious minds looking for a different perspective on London’s history.

Whether you’re a history buff, a literature lover, or simply someone eager to learn about the city beyond the usual sights, this tour delivers a vivid, authentic window into London’s more macabre moments.

You can check availability for your dates here: