Colin Crosby Heritage Tours

London Walks in 2006

I will again this year be leading Guided Walks in London.

These walks in the capital are growing in popularity. Living in Leicester, I get most of my participants from the Leicestershire and Rutland area, and some from around Southend, from where I originate.

But with the London walks, I get people from Leicester and Southend, but also from all over London. Of course you’re very welcome wherever you’re from!

I’m leading two Guided Walks on Saturday 8th April.

The first of these is “Smithfield and Clerkenwell”, investigating an area that is close to the centre of London and full of history, but largely ignored by guides and tourists alike.

We will be looking at what was known as “the smooth field”, where Richard II confronted Wat Tyler and the Peasants’ Revolt, where many were executed in various horrible ways and where bodysnatching was rife.

The area has one of London’s oldest churches, a number of ancient gateways and the home of one of England’s best-loved poets.

In Clerkenwell, the Green has been home to radical politics for many years, and is close to the course of one of London’s lost rivers.

“Smithfield and Clerkenwell” starts outside St. Pauls Cathedral at 1pm.

On the same day, it’s “The Grim Reaper’s London”.

On this walk, we will be looking at some of the ways in which Death has made his presence felt in the capital – murder, plague, execution, and some other less expected events.

“The Grim Reaper’s London” starts outside Fenchurch Street Station at 5pm.

Later in the year, I am leading two walks on Saturday 4th November.

“Spitalfields” is the area between the City and Whitechapel. It includes the magnificent church built by Nicholas Hawksmoor, some unexpectedly narrow streets and some of the haunts of Jack the Ripper.

“Spitalfields” starts outside St. Botolph’s Church, Bishopsgate at 1pm.

On the same day, it’s “Haunted London”.

This walk, around the old City of London, which is largely deserted at the weekend, investigates some of the hidden alleys and byways where many of London’s ghosts are said to lurk.

“Haunted London” starts outside Fenchurch Street Station at 5pm.

Tickets are available now for all these walks. In each case, the price is £3.50 per person. This, however, is on the assumption that you pay in advance. On the day, tickets will be £5.50.