CITY WALK TO LEARN THE SECRETS OF THE LIVERY COMPANIES

The impressive Vintners' company hall on the banks of the River Thames

The Livery Companies have an extraordinary history. Their influence and power has played a significant part in the City of London's rise to become one of the World's great financial centres. They go back as far as the 13th century - but still they are a mystery to most visitors and tourists who come to London.

Well, now there's a chance to find out why they have survived for so long. Today there are 107 companies and on a LONDON FOOTSTEPS walk you can find out more about them.

The walk is on September, 30th September and the meeting point is the forecourt

outside Fenchurch Street Railway Station at 11 am.

Why not join in this two-hour stroll through the City streets and hear

guide DAVID WILLIAMS reveal the Livery Companies story

CALL FOR MORE DETAILS - 01702 710232 - TO BOOK A PLACE OR SEND AN E-MAIL TO david@londonfootsteps.co.uk

COME ON YOU CITY STROLLERS!

July, August and September are holiday months when people get away from work and find some relaxing holiday retreat...maybe a golden beach, rolling hills, rugged mountains and so on. I've got a better idea! Why not join a LONDON FOOTSTEPS themed walk and find out more about one of the World's most intriguing cities.

Take a look at this blog and you can see just a few of the fascinating people, places and events that are woven into 2,000 years of history. The City of London - just a square mile - has a remarkable network of streets, lanes, alleys, passage ways and squares. Just walk around and you feel the hand of history on your shoulder.

I'm your guide, stopping regularly to talk about where we are and what we see. Believe me, I never get tired of taking people round the City. So if you want to be one of those who wants to know more about the City and you have a couple of hours to spare then get in touch.

There are a number of walks planned in the coming weeks on various London themes. Look down the list and see what takes your fancy. I'm waiting for your mail.

LONDON FOOTSTEPS
Join a themed walk around one of the World’s great cities led by City of London guide David Williams

SECRET GARDENS OF THE CITY
The small parks, gardens and churchyards are there if you know where to look. Take a walk through the alley-ways and side streets and high-rise you will find colour and greenery alongside towering office buildings.

INTRODUCTION TO THE CITY
This is a leisurely stroll for those who want 2,000 years of history in two hours. Wander through passages, squares and streets of the City to hear about people and events that shaped the history of one of the World’s great cities.

THE GREAT FIRE
It was the diarist Samuel Pepys who gave us a graphic account of the Great Fire in 1666. We trace the spread of the fire from its origins in Pudding Lane and find out why two-thirds of the old City were destroyed in four days.

THE FLOW OF HISTORY
Since the Romans first arrived, the River Thames has been the main trade artery into the commercial heart of the City. This walk stretches the imagination as we go from the Tower of London along the Thames Path and finish in the sight of St Paul’s at the Millennium Bridge.

THE SUFFERING CITY
Fire, plague, riots, terrorism, the Blitz. London has suffered over the centuries. The scars have gone but not the memories. The City has always bounced back to be stronger and more vibrant – and on this walk you find out the reasons for its continuing growth.

THE CITY LIVERY COMPANIES
The walled City, established by the Romans, became a commercial powerhouse in Mediaeval times and this strength could be traced back to the Livery Companies. These powerful organisations covered nearly all the old trades and crafts of the City for several centuries – and then re-invented themselves as charitable institutions.

For further details contact DAVID WILLIAMS

We cater for individuals as well as small parties and groups.

70, Hadleigh Road, Leigh-on-Sea, Essex SS92LZ
Tel: 01702 710232 Mobile: 07831 857382

e-mail: info@londonfootsteps.co.uk www.londonfootsteps.co.uk