SECRETS OF ROTHERHITHE

If you ever wanted to be convinced about the fascination of London then go and explore those areas of the capital that rarely get a mention in the guide books. Take Rotherhithe for example, just a mile down from Tower Bridge, along Tooley Street and Jamaica Road, and there you find an area that was once alive with ship-building and repairing, cargoes being loaded and unloaded and all the activity associated with a riverside community.

Before the second World War, the area was a maze of docks. When they finally closed in the 1970s and became derelict, Rotherhithe faced a grim future. But the transformation has been remarkable; most of the docks have been filled in and replaced with houses and shops. Surrey Quays is a paradise for shopaholics.



But massive redevelopment has not obliterated all the memories. The streets and some of the buildings around St Mary's Church have survived; so too has the old school built in the early 18th century and somewhere in the nearby churchyard - now a small garden - is the resting place of Captain Christopher Jones, skipper of the Mayflower which took the Pilgrims to America early in the 17th century.



The Sands Film Studio and Photo Archive is worth a visit; so too is the Brunel Museum in the recently renovated pumping house which was part of the remarkable 19th century project to build the World's first underwater tunnel. There are surprises too; the Norwegian and Finnish communities, established in Rotherhithe when timber from the Baltic countries was a major import, still have churches in area offering a friendly welcome to visitors.



If you want to discover more about Rotherhithe then join a LONDON FOOTSTEPS walking tour of the area. They start at Canada Water station on the Jubilee Line. Get in touch and I can give you more details. info@londonfootsteps.co.uk

VISITING THE LIVERY COMPANY HALLS

The Livery Companies of London are an integral part of the city's history. They exist today - 107 of them - although they no longer have the same role and responsibilities as they did over 500 years ago.

In those times they were strict guardians of the city trades and crafts...the Mercers, the Goldsmiths, the Butchers, the Armourers and Brasiers, the Bakers and, yes, the candlemakers....the Tallow Chandlers and the Wax Chandlers....and so it goes on. They all have a wealth of fascinating stories to tell.

There are no equivalent organisations in today's business and commercial world but the Livery Companies survive, promoting modern industries by financing education and training in schools and colleges.

Take, for example, the Coachmakers and Coach Harnessmakers who once had complete control over this craft; their original Livery Hall was lost in the Great Fire of 1666 and the replacement was destroyed, like many others during a bombing raid on 29th December 1940. Now they share some space with the Worshipful Company of Tallow Chandlers who have a hall in Dowsett Hill which still retains many of the features from the period of restoration in 1672.

The first LONDON FOOTSTEPS outing of 2008 was to the Apothecaries' Hall in Blackfriars Lane. This fine hall, rebuilt in 1670 after the Great Fire, is an architectural gem and one which is always worth a visit. The Beadle, John Williams, is an excellent host. No wonder it is one of the most popular outings on the LONDON FOOTSTEPS programme.

If you want to find out what walks and visits are coming up in the next few weeks -including a tour of Fishmongers' Hall - then get in touch with us by emailing info@londonfootsteps.co.uk You can reserve a place on any of the future outings.

WALKING AND TALKING

The astonishing interior of Drapers' Hall, one of London's senior livery companies.

Seeing London is one thing; sitting and listening to a lecture is another. The best way to combine the two is by using a Powerpoint presentation - and that's something which is a popular feature of the lectures that I give on London subjects.

Take THE RIVER OF HISTORY, for example. It's a very popular walk, from the Tower to the Millenium Bridge. It traces the path of London's history from the arrival of the Romans when they established Londinium in AD 43 to the remarkable story of the Wobbly Bridge - even though it doesn't wobble anymore.

It's a great walk, lots to see and talk about, and one that converts easily into a Powerpoint presentation. So in the depths of winter in a crowded village hall somewhere deep in the countryside, I can almost bring that experience to life for members of a local History Society, the Women's Institute or a gathering of the U3A.

The talks diary is already filling up for 2008 - and I've got a couple of firm dates for 2009. There are nearly always requests to come back - with Samuel Pepys, the Great Fire of London, City Churches and the role of the Livery Companies being popular choices for follow-up visits.

If you have a group, society or organisation that may not be able to join a LONDON WALK then the next best thing is to book a talk. Check out my profile and send me an e-mail if your interested and I'll come back with all the details.

But don't forget the walks! Strolling through the history of London in the Spring and Summer is an experience you shouldn't miss.

WALK ON IN 2008

The George Coaching Inn in Southwark - the last one to be seen in London

It's nearly all over for 2007- and my LONDON CITY walks came to an end in Southwark. Now if you think this is not the most interesting or fascinating part of the capital - then think again! Southwark has mystery and murder, prisons and prostitutes, beer and bear-baiting. And if that isn't enough then just flick through the pages of Charles Dickens' Little Dorritt.

LONDON offers so much more than Big Ben, Buckingham Palace and St.Paul's Cathedral. Of course they are on the list of every visitor - but it's away from the main tourist attractions that you find London's true character and history.

SOUTHWARK is a good example; the Hop Exchange, the Red Cross Garden, the narrow coaching yards off Borough High Street - and, of course, Borough Market itself. For centuries, this area on the southern bank of the River Thames was naughty and saucy. Not any more. Now it's vibrant, mysterious and a wonderful place for restaurants. So why not go and explore the area in 2008.

What's coming up for LONDON CITY walkers? What about a roam around ROTHERHITHE or hanging around HOLBORN. There are visits to the Apothecaries' Hall, Fishmongers' Hall and the River Thames Polioce Museum in Wapping. There's no doubt that 2008 is going to be even better than 2007.

AUTUMN PROGRAMME OF CITY WALKS

There's a great selection of walks for those who like discovering the history of the City of London. Take a look and make your choice.

Monday 22nd October 2007

INTRODUCTION TO THE CITY
This long-term favourite walk is the best way of learning more about how the City has developed and prospered since Roman times. Wander through the alleys, narrow passageways and courtyards that are hidden away yet rich in history. Stories of wealth, poverty, triumph and tragedy are revealed in this stroll through the heart of the City.

Meet at Leigh-on-Sea Station at 11.45 a.m. or outside the main entrance of Fenchurch Street Station at 1.00 pm.

Wednesday, 31st October 2007

THE RIVER OF HISTORY
No-one can ignore the River Thames. It has been the focus of so much that has happened in London over the past 2,000 years. The best way to find out more is to join the walk that starts at the Tower and goes along the Thames path to the Millennium Bridge.

Meet at 9.15 a.m. at Leigh-on-Sea Station or outside the main entrance of Fenchurch Street Station at 10.30 a.m.


Monday, 5th November 2007

THE CHURCHES OF SIR CHRISTOPHER WREN
London once boasted over 100 churches but the Great Fire and the Blitz has severely reduced that number. Yet most of the 23 that remain were designed and built by Sir Christopher Wren and stepping inside any of them will confirm his remarkable talents. We shall visit four or five churches on this walk.

Meet at Leigh-on-Sea Station at 9.15 a.m. or outside the main entrance of Fenchurch Street Station at 10.30 a.m.

Saturday, 24th November 2007

BLOOMSBURY SQUARES
This area on the fringe of the City attracted the rich and famous from the 17th century onwards. Fine squares and grand homes were created; actors, painters, writers, politicians and the aristocracy settled in Bloomsbury. You have the chance to walk through these spacious squares and along streets of elegant houses, starting at Holborn and finishing at Brunswick Square.

Meet at Leigh-on-Sea Station at 9.15 a.m. or the ticket office at Holborn Underground Station at 11 a.m.

Thursday, 6th December 2007

AROUND BLACKFRIARS
On the banks of the old River Fleet, the Blackfriars and Carmelite monks remained in religious isolation for centuries. Henry VIII changed all that and so did the character of the area. It became busy, crowded, dangerous, dirty and unhealthy. But don’t worry – it’s safe to come on this walk today!

Meet at Leigh-on-Sea Station at 9.15 a.m. or in the booking hall of Blackfriars Underground Station at 11 a.m.

Tuesday, 18th December 2007

STROLLING AROUND SOUTHWARK
In the busy streets and passage-ways near Borough Market you will hear stories about Charles Dickens, the Marshalsea Prison, Thomas Guy, founder of Guy’s Hospital and the grimy industrial conditions of the 19th century. The walk finishes close to the river and with stories about saucy Southwark and ‘Winchester Geese’.
Meet at Leigh-on-Sea Station at 9.15 am or outside W.H. Smith the newsagents on the concourse of London Bridge Station at 11 a.m.

THE SQUARES OF BLOOMSBURY

One of the great attractions of London is the element of surprise. Wander through the streets, squares, alleyways and passages and there is always something to catch the eye...a plaque here, a statue there, a hidden church, a colourful garden...and so it goes on.

BLOOMSBURY is like that so why not join a walk on Thursday, 30th August to wander through the squares and gardens of this elegant and stylish area just north of the City. Those in the 17th and 18th centuries who could afford to live in style and splendour moved away from the increasingly-squalid city and settled for the cleaner and fresher surroundings of Bloomsbury.

If you want to join THE SQUARES OF BLOOMSBURY walk then make a booking by calling your walking guide, David Williams, on 01702 710232.

The meeting place is HOLBORN UNDERGROUND STATION (in the booking hall) at 11 am.

The cost is just £5 per person - pay on the day.

SUMMER WALKING PROGRAMME

LONDON

FOOTSTEPS

NEWSLETTER

July 2007


SUMMER TIME IN THE CITY

Programme for July-September 2007

Thousands of tourists flock to London in the Summer – but many of them miss the opportunity to see the hidden secrets of the Square Mile. But that doesn’t happen if you join a LONDON FOOTSTEPS walk – so why not come along and learn more about the fascinating history and some remarkable stories of the City of London

This programme covers July-September 2007. If you are interested in joining a LONDON FOOTSTEPS walk then please let me know. Individual walkers are very welcome or you may like to bring a few friends. Each walk lasts just over 2 hours and there is an opportunity for a short coffee break.

Meeting arrangements are flexible. You can join us in London close to where the walk will start. Those coming from South Essex can meet me Leigh-on-Sea Station although it is possible to join us at Fenchurch Street.

The cost is just £5 for the walk, pay on the day.

LONDON FOOTSTEPS
70, Hadleigh Road, Leigh-on-Sea, Essex SS9 2LZ
Tel: 01702 710232
email: info@londonfootsteps.co.uk
http://www.londonfootsteps.co.uk/



Monday, 16th July 2007

SECRET GARDENS IN THE CITY
This walk reveals one of the City’s hidden secrets. At this time of the year there is a riot of colour in the small parks, gardens and green spaces that flourish among all the high-rise buildings. See them – and see how the City gardeners have transformed what were once derelict sites and overgrown churchyards.

Meet at Leigh-on-Sea Station at 9.30 am or 10.45 am at the barrier on Platform 11 of Liverpool Street Station.


Saturday, 21st July 2007

CRIME AND PUNISHMENT
It’s difficult to believe that the streets of London were dark and dangerous places in previous centuries. Thieves, highway robbers, murderers, pickpockets….it was not the safest of Cities. But there were also severe penalties…hanging, transportation, whippings. So be prepared for some gory details on this walk! The walk starts near the Tower and finishes at the Old Bailey.

Meet at Leigh-on-Sea Station at 9.15 am or outside the Tower Hill underground station at 10.30 am


Thursday, 2nd August 2007

INK SPOTS
Fleet Street will always be remembered for newspapers and great writers But the newspapers have moved to gleaming temples of technology in Docklands and we are left with memories. This walk is about the men and women who have appeared in print over centuries – and a visit to the journalists’ church, St Brides – is the highlight of the walk.

Meet at Leigh-on-Sea Station at 9.15 am or in the booking hall of Blackfriars Underground Station at 11 am


Saturday 11th August 2007

MURDER, MEAT AND MEDICINE
Not a walk for the faint-hearted or squeamish…but it does reveal a dark side of London’s history. We visit Smithfield, still a meat market today, and also learn about London’s oldest hospital – St Bartholomews. But it’s not all doom and gloom; there are plenty of lighter moments to keep you interested.

Meet at Leigh-on-Sea Station 9.30 am or outside the main entrance of Fenchurch Street Station at 11 am


Saturday 1st September 2007

THE GREAT FIRE OF 1666
What started as a small fire in a bakery in the early hours of 2nd September, 1666 soon raged out of control. Five days later, two-thirds of the City was a smoking ruin. We trace the progress of the fire from Pudding Lane and consider the impact it had on the population and the future of London.

Meet at 9.15am at Leigh-on-Sea Station or outside the main entrance of Fenchurch Street Station at 10.30 am.

Saturday, 15th September; Sunday, 16th September

This is the LONDON OPEN HOUSE weekend. Here’s an opportunity to visit a whole range of buildings throughout London. Further details can be fund on the London Open House web site.

Thursday, 27th September 2007

SPITALFIELDS
Over the centuries, the City has attracted migrants from Europe and beyond. Many of these groups settled to the East of the City – and their language, traditions and culture have flourished. The Jews, the Hugonots..the Chines…the Bangladeshis – all have contributed to kaleidoscope of life so close to the City.

Meet at Leigh-on-Sea Station at 9.30 am or at the barrier to Platform 11 at Liverpool Street Station at 11am


JOINING THE WALKS

We know that some people prefer to meet locally and travel in as a group. That’s easier for those who live in the South Essex area because all the walks start near Fenchurch Street station. Off-peak return fares will apply with a further reduction if you have a Senior RailCard.

Unless otherwise notified, we meet at 9.45 am at Leigh-on-Sea station where there is plenty of car parking space.

Those who prefer to travel in to London independently can meet us outside the main entrance of Fenchurch Street station, near the map, at 11 am






TALKS AND LECTURES

LONDON FOOTSTEPS also provide special talks on City of London subjects to groups, societies and clubs who have regular afternoon and evening meetings for their members. These are interesting and informative shows delivered via a Powerpoint audio-visual presentation.

I come along with all the equipment which can be set up in 15 minutes. All we asked is that you provide the electricity supply for the computer and digital projector – and a cup of tea!

There is a one-off fee for these talks of £45.


YOUR GUIDE

DAVID WILLIAMS is a qualified City of London guide, a member of the City of London Guide Lecturers Association and Associate of the Institute of Tourist Guiding.

LONDON FOOTSTEPS
70, Hadleigh Road, Leigh-on-Sea, Essex SS9 2LZ

Tel: 01702 710232 Mobile: 07831 857382

Email: mailto:info@londondfootsteps.co.uk
davidwilliams@dwmedia.co.uk
www.londonfootsteps.co.uk

CRIME AND PUNISHMENT

Can you believe that the streets of London once had more than a fair share of dangerous and undesirable characters...many of them children and women. Thieves, pickpockets, highway robbers, murderers - they all received harsh justice if caught, and many were.

Those sent to prison often faced years in squalor and filth and were frequently struck-down with disease. What seemed minor offences were often punishable by hanging, transportation and whipping. Worst of all, you could be hanged, drawn and quartered.

Now all that might put you off from joining the next CRIME AND PUNISHMENT walk around the streets of the City. But if you want to find out more about this fascinating aspect of London's history then come along and join the LONDON FOOTSTEPS group on Saturday morning, 19th May 2007.

Meet me, David Williams, outside the main entrance of London's Fenchurch Street Station at 10.45 am. The walk lasts for two hours and costs just £5. Pay on the day.

Come along and take a leisurely stroll through the history of one of the world's great cities.

MAYBE IT'S TIME FOR MAY WALK

There are some great walks coming up in the LONDON FOOTSTEPS programme - so check them out and make a note in your diary.

Tuesday, 1st May 2007:

MURDER, MEAT AND MEDICINE. Not a walk for the faint-hearted and squeamish...but it does reveal a dark side of London's history. We visit Smithfield, still a meat market today, but once a place of riots, ribaldry and executions. There's also St Bartholomew's Hospital nearby and that has played an extraordinary part in the history of the City.

Meet by the barrier at Platform 11 at Liverpool Street Station at 11 am.

Saturday, 19th May 2007

CRIME AND PUNISHMENT

The streets of London were dark and dangerous places in previous centuries. Thieves, highway robbers, murders, pickpockets...it was certainly not safe to go out alone at night in some areas. Punishment was severe...hangings, transportation, whippings and executions. So be prepared for some gory details.

Meet outside the main entrance of Fenchurch Street Station at 10.45 am.

BOOK A PLACE ON THESE WALKS BY CALLING LONDON FOOTSTEPS

Tel: 01702 710232 or email: david@londonfootsteps.co.uk

JOIN THE GREAT FIRE WALKERS. 24TH MARCH 2007: 11am.

One of the greatest disasters in the history of London happened 340 years. The Great Fire of London, which started in a baker's shop in the early hours of 2nd September 1666, burned for nearly five days and destroyed two-thirds of the City.

Why not join the LONDON FOOTSTEPS walking tour on Saturday, 24th March to hear the story of this catastrophe and walk the route from Monument Station to the point in Giltspur Street where the fire finally died out.

Then there's a big bonus! The nearby Museum of London has a special Great Fire exhibition which is well worth visiting.

MEET YOUR GUIDE DAVID WILLIAMS AT 11am AT MONUMENT UNDERGROUND STATION. THE WALK LAST FOR TOURS AND COSTS £5 - PAY ON THE DAY.

So book your place now by contacting
david@londonfootsteps.co.uk
or call 01702-710232.

HOLD THE FRONT PAGE

Saturday,

February 24th

INK SPOTS

Join a walk around Fleet Street with LONDON FOOTSTEPS

This part of London will always be remembered for printing, newspapers and great writers. Now the industry has moved on to their gleaming temples of technology in Docklands but there are still plenty of memories around the Fleet Street ink spots.

This walk traces the history of the magazines and newspapers and some of the writers and journalists who have filled the pages of print from the 17th to the 20th centuries.
The visit to the journalists’ church – St Bride’s – is the highlight of the walk.

Meet at Leigh-on-Sea Station at 9.30 am or in the booking hall of Blackfriars Underground Station at 11 am.

Give me a call if you would like to come along on
Saturday, 24th February.

David Williams: LONDON FOOTSTEPS
Your City of London Guide and Lecturer.

70, Hadleigh Road, Leigh-on-Sea, Essex SS9 2LZ
Tel: 01702 710232 Mobile: 07831 857382
Email: davidwilliams@dwmedia.co.uk

FASCINATING SPITALFIELDS

One of the fascinating features of London is being able to turn off a busy street and step back in time through narrow passages, squares and alley-ways. That's the attraction of SPITALFIELDS, an area in the East of the City which is just a few yards away from busy Bishopsgate and Liverpool Street Station.

That's why my next walk promises to be one to remember. It's taking place on Saturday, 10th February 2007. Anyone who wants to come along can meet me at the ticket barrier on platform 11 of Liverpool Street station at 11 am.

How will you know it's me? That's easy. I shall be wearing a distinctive yellow bib and displaying my City of London Guide badge.

The two-hour walk will be taken at a gentle pace because there's so much to see and learn. This is where French and Dutch Huguenots, Chinese, Jews, Bangladeshis are just some of the many races who have come and settled in the area. It has produced a vibrant mix of people, buildings and stories - and you can find out about them by joining me on a LONDON FOOTSTEPS walk.

If you're interested, call me beforehand on 01702 710232 or email david@londonfootsteps.co.uk

JOIN A LONDON CITY WALK ON THURSDAY, DECEMBER 28TH

Christmas is almost over! Now you will be feeling bloated, over-fed, hung-over and thoroughly unfit. That's the time to think about coming on a LONDON FOOTSTEPS walk - or rather a stroll - round the City streets and alley-ways.


Make a note of the time and place: Thursday, 28th December 2006 and we all meet on the concourse at LIVERPOOL STREET STATION outside the ticket barrier on Platform 11 at 11 am. Why don't you came along. It's a small, friendly crowd of people who are genuinely interested in the history of the City

The theme of the walk is MURDER,MEAT AND MEDICINE. The route takes us through the Barbican, into Smithfield Market and on to Hatton Garden and Holborn Circus. We shall be recalling the time when Charles Dickens saw poverty and hardship on the streets in the mid-19th century and wrote about it in his novels. The walk will be about two hours and we hope to find a place somewhere en route to have a coffee.

So make the effort; it costs just £5 to come on a LONDON FOOTSTEPS history walk. Bring your friends as well.

Call me - DAVID WILLIAMS - to confirm your place. Tel: 01702 710232 Mobile: 07831 857382

provide by affordable web hosting .

WINTER PROGRAMME OF LONDON WALKS

LONDON FOOTSTEPS


NEWSLETTER
November 2006

JOIN US FOR A WALK THROUGH HISTORY

Programme
December 2006 - February 2007

London is a fascinating city at any time of the year so don’t let those chilly days and long, dark evenings stop you from joining a guided LONDON FOOTSTEPS walking tour around the streets of the capital.

The Square Mile is full of remarkable stories. Nearly 2,000 years of history has provided so much to see and hear. The characters, the villains, moments of celebration and times of sadness. Death, destruction, glory and excitement – there’s always a story to tell and DAVID WILLIAMS will be your guide on these fascinating walks.

This winter season of walks has explores some news areas in and around the City boundaries as well as a selection of the old favourites. There are Saturday walks as well as some in mid-week. Please give us a call to confirm your interest and find out more details.

You can either come along by yourself or with a few friends. LONDON FOOTSTEPS will also arrange for a club or society to have a special walk on the day of their choice. Each walk lasts just over 2 hours and there is an opportunity for a short coffee break.

There are usually 15-20 people in the group and the regular meeting place is Leigh-on-Sea Station although it is possible to join us in London.

The cost is just £5 for the walk, pay on the day.

LONDON FOOTSTEPS
70, Hadleigh Road, Leigh-on-Sea, Essex SS9 2LZ
Tel: 01702 710232
email: info@londonfootsteps.co.uk
www.londonfootsteps.co.uk

“We were so delighted with the walk, even to the extent that a person who had lived in London saw places she had not seen before. What a knowledge you have.” Coach group from Bournemouth U3A: 2006,


Saturday, 2nd December, 2006

THE GREAT FIRE OF 1666
What started as a small fire in a bakery in the early hours of 2nd September, 1666 soon raged out of control. Five days later, two-thirds of the City was a smoking ruin. We trace the progress of the fire from Pudding Lane and consider the impact it had on the population and the future of London.

Meet at 9.30 am at Leigh-on-Sea Station or outside the main entrance of Fenchurch Street Station at 11 am.


Saturday, 16th December, 2006

MURDER, MEAT AND MEDICINE
Now this seems like a tasty morsel to serve up just before the Christmas. We venture up to Smithfield and a take a bite at some of the darker moments of London’s history. But it’s not all doom and gloom; there are plenty of lighter moments to keep you interested.

Meet at Leigh-on-Sea Station 9.30 am or outside the main entrance of Fenchurch Street Station at 11 am

Thursday, 28th December, 2006

CHRISTMAS SPECIAL
How about walking off all the turkey and Christmas pudding by re-tracing some of the steps taking by Charles Dickens back in the 19th century. We’ve all heard about Oliver Twist and A Christmas Carol so memories of the festive season can be a little sobering!. The books and characters of the famous man form the basis of this walk.

Please note that because the C2C trains are operating a restricted service this week, the walk will start in London.


Wednesday, 17th January, 2007

CRIME AND PUNISHMENT
It’s difficult to believe that the streets and alleyways of London were dark and dangerous places in previous centuries. Thieves, highway robbers, murderers, pickpockets….it was not the safest of Cities. But there were also severe penalties…hanging, transportation, whippings. So be prepared for some gory details on this walk!

Meet at Leigh-on-Sea Station at 9.30 am or outside the main entrance of Fenchurch Street Station at 11am

Saturday, 10th February, 2007

SPITALFIELDS
Over the centuries, the City has attracted migrants from Europe and beyond. Many of these groups settled to the East of the City – and their language, traditions and culture have flourished. The Jews, the Hugonots..the Chines…the Bangladeshis – all have contributed to kaleidoscope of life so close to the City.

Meet at Leigh-on-Sea Station at 9.30 am or outside the main entrance of Fenchurch Street Station at 11 am.

Saturday, 24th February, 2007

INK SPOTS
Fleet Street will always be remembered for newspapers and great writers But the newspapers have gone to gleaming temples of technology in Docklands and we are left with memories. This walk is about the men and women who have appeared in print over centuries – and a visit to the journalists’ church, St Brides – is the highlight of the walk.

Meet at Leigh-on-Sea Station at 9.30 am or in the booking hall of Blackfriars Underground Station at 11 am.


OTHER DATES

Some clubs or groups like to arrange a walk on a special date. It could be on a weekday or a weekend. That’s fine. Give us a call and we’ll see what can be arranged.


YOUR GUIDE

DAVID WILLIAMS is a qualified City of London guide, a member of the City of London Guide Lecturers’ Association and Associate of the Institute of Tourist Guiding.

LONDON FOOTSTEPS 70, Hadleigh Road, Leigh-on-Sea, Essex SS9 2LZ
Tel: 01702 710232 Mobile: 07831 857382 email: info@londonfootsteps.co.uk

HISTORY EVERY STEP OF THE WAY

As you walk through the City of London, history taps you on the shoulder. Go down that alley; have a look at that church; what does it say on that plaque? Who is remembered in that building? And that statue – why is it there?

The questions keep coming every step of the way and you search deeper for some answers. At the weekend, there are no bankers, financiers, insurance executives or stockbrokers crowding the pavements. Most of the restaurants are closed and the streets echo to the noise of mechanical diggers and drills. Huge cranes seem to have grown overnight and those city firms changing addresses have a stream of removal men coming through the door while, elsewhere others are moving in.

The weekday commercial activity of a working city is on hold; now it’s the time for walkers and tourists to look around without facing the jostling crowds. There is time to imagine what it must have been like here 2,000 years ago and wonder why the Romans decided to make it their centre of trade and commerce for 350 years. There is precious little to see from that period - but that doesn't matter if you have a guide to tell you what it was like.

So many have walked these streets over the centuries. Politicians and prostitutes, statesmen and soldiers, heroes and villans, beggars and preachers. Writers, artists, engineers and architects have all made their mark. Fortunes have been made and lost in minutes. It has been the scene of murders and hangings; there has been plague and pageantry…and so the list goes on.

I was born on the outskirts of London. The City of London moved on and so did I – yet now I’m back, organising walking tours of the Square Mile and inviting people to share some of the history and atmosphere of a City that remains one of the most remarkable on the planet.

In my Third Age, London has taken hold of me once again. I’m now a City of London guide, passing on my knowledge, telling stories and enthusing about the City to anyone who cares to listen. When they finish a two-hour walk, most people say the same thing - “London has so much history”.

It has, so why not come along on a LONDON FOOTSTEPS walk sometime. Give me a call and I’ll tell you all about the walks, where we can meet and what you can expect to see. London has never lost its magic. Come and experience it.

I'd like to hear from you david@londonfootsteps.co.uk

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

BEAT THE FOOTY WITH A THAMES WALK

FED UP WITH THE FOOTY!

WHY NOT JOIN A LONDON FOOTSTEPS WALK ALONG THE RIVER THAMES ON SATURDAY, 1st JULY.

DUSK ON THE RIVER IS A TWO-HOUR STROLL FROM THE TOWER TO SOUTHWARK LED BY CITY OF LONDON GUIDE DAVID WILLIAMS.

MEET AT TOWER HILL UNDERGROUND STATION AT 6.00 PM

GOOD VALUE FOR £5. FOR MORE DETAILS CALL 01702 710232

SPLASH OF COLOUR ON A WET SUNDAY

Some people may think that wandering round Hackney, Hoxton and Shoreditch on a wet Sunday morning can be depressing. Wrong! The weather makes no difference if you are taking in the markets at Columbia Road, Cheshire Street, Brick Lane and Spitalfields. Try it sometime.

The atmosphere in the Columbia Road flower market was colourful - in every sense. This is where to find a bargain bloom, some eye-catching ornaments and pots for the garden and trays of bedding plants at knock-down prices. Get there early if you want to find some parking space - because by 2.00 pm it's finished.

There are some remarkable Victorian terraces around the market - at remarkable prices! Yet back in the 1970s the developers were hovering around, bulldozing large areas and putting up some pretty dreadful-looking blocks of flats. Some of the old rows of terraced houses from the late 1800s have survived - Elwin Street and Quilter Street for example - and there are other buildings - schools, churches, old industrial premises - which remind you of the days when living conditions in the East End were harsh and bringing up large families was a tough prospect.

Now in Brick Lane and Spitalfields you have glossy shops which are at the cutting edge of fashion and design; restaurants that serve a bewildering choice of Asian food and numerous stalls selling everything from mobile phones to bicycles. It's a vibrant and heady concoction of races, cultures and language. Try it one Sunday and you won't be disappointed.

If you want to know more about walking the streets of London then take a look at our special programme covering May to September. Later in the Summer there's a Spitalfields walk scheduled - and you could book a place now.