HISTORY COMES BACK TO HAUNT US

It is depressing to hear and see all the news of violence and thuggery which has blighted the lives of Londoners in the past few days. In a modern society we don't expect that to happen but some primitive instincts of human nature - not least greed and envy - seem to take over when the opportunity arises.

We search desperately for answers. Schools, sink estates, unemployment, drugs - is that where we've gone wrong. How could it happen? Ordinary, decent hard-working people are suffering and they don't seserve to see their day-to-day existence ripped apart by young criminals. Most of us can't imagine what it is like to see your home or business go up in flames and feel so utterly desperate when there is no help nearby.

History has a way of re-visiting our lives. The Peasants Revolt of 1381 was an orgy of death and destruction by thousands who marched on London to challenge the authority of Parliament and the Monarchy. Wat Tyler may have thought he had the people with him but in the end this aggressive Essex lad didn't have the sense to curb his demands and Sir William Walworth, the Lord Mayor of London, decided enough was enough and stabbed him to death.

Four hundred years later, the orgy of violence as repeated by the Gordon Riots. This time it was anti-Papist attitudes which fired up the mobs who marched on the capital looting, wrecking the jails, releasing the prisoners and threatening the Bank of England. When the fires died down and the rioters dispersed, Gordon was arrested, charged and remarkably acquitted. His links with the aristocracy had, on this occasion, saved hime and he went on to convert to Judaism.

What will history make of the 2011 madness? Probably the age of many rioters has shocked people and no doubt will be the basis of discussion for many years to come. The flames which touched the heart of a modern, civilised city have left deep social scars as well and had millions of people shaking their heads in disbelief at the images on television and in the newspapers. Will revenge be swift like it was for Wat Tyler and Lord Gordon. Off with their heads! Certainly not. The punishment should fit the crime so take away their Blackberrys first of all. We're a civilised city. Aren't we?

TALKING ABOUT LONDON

Societies, clubs and organisations are now thinking about those long winter nights and preparing programmes which will add something special to a regular weekly get-together. So why not get in touch with me, David Williams, and arrange a talk about the City of London for your members followed by a question and answer session.

These talks are illustrated with a Powerpoint presentation. The pictures will show you how the the city of today is built on the traditions of and events of yesterday. There's a lot to talk about so I have developed a series of themed lectures which link some of London's familiar sights, statues and streets with what happened in the past.

Contact me if you are interested in one of the following...

The Flow of History (How the River Thames has shaped London's development)

The Great Fire of 1666

The influence and impact of the City Livery Companies

The Churches of Sir Christopher Wren

Victorian London: Money and Misery

So if you feel that members would like to learn more about the people, events and places that have made London what it is today, you know what to do. Contact david@londonfootsteps.co.uk

SOLICITING IN HOLBORN

Phew, it's hot! But don't let that stop you joining a LONDON FOOTSTEPS walk to discover some more charm, mysteries and little gems in the streets and open spaces of the capital.

You're welcome to come along on Thursday, 1st July 2010 for a walk that touches on the grim past of London yet also shows why and how tradition is such a rich part of the city today.

SOLICITING IN HOLBORN is an ideal Summer walk and it starts at 11 am outside Holborn Underground Station. Look out for me. I'll be wearing a yellow tabard. The cost is £5.

If you're interested then give me a call or send an email beforehand so that I know you're coming.

SECRET CITY GARDENS (22nd April 2010)

It's time to step out onto the City streets with your LONDON FOOTSTEPS guide David Williams. The new Spring programme of walks, from April to July, is now available starting with the SECRET CITY GARDENS walk on Thursday, 22nd April 2010.

Starting at 11 am from the Platform 11 ticket barrier at Liverpool Street Station, the walk moves through the City from Finsbury Circus (see picture) and takes in some of the small gardens, churchyards and open spaces that have been transformed by the City of London gardeners.

The walk finishes near St. Paul's Cathedral at 1.30 pm. and the cost remains at £5 per person. It's terrific value - so make sure you book a place.

PROGRAMME OF WALKS: October-December 2009

LONDON FOOTSTEPS
Walking tours in and around the City of London
DAVID WILLIAMS
City of London guide/lecturer

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

PROGRAMME OF WALKS

OCTOBER-DECEMBER 2009

The days are shorter and there’s a nip in the air but a walk through some of the historical areas of London will warm the cockles of your heart! This group of walks take us to places just beyond the City of London and into areas that not have obvious tourist appeal but are fascinating for anyone who wants to know more about the capital’s history.

If you are interested in coming along then please let me know beforehand. You can get an off-peak rail ticket and the £5 cost of the walk is payable on the day. If you have a Senior Railcard or a Bus Pass then bring that along as well.

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Saturday, 24th October, 2009:

SOLICITING IN HOLBORN
Some strange and inspiring stories are revealed in an area squeezed between the City and the West End. It is hard to imagine that Holborn was once an over-crowded, squalid area with a reputation for hard-drinking, prostitution and crime. Charles Dickens lived here for a time and was shocked by what he saw happening on his doorstep. Today, the area is closely associated with publishing and the legal profession but behind the modern office blocks are some intriguing stories.
Meet at Leigh-on-Sea Station at 9.15 am or near the ticket barrier of Holborn Underground Station (Central Line) at 11.00 am

Wednesday, 28th October, 2009:

MURDER, MEAT AND MEDICINE
The walk starts near Smithfield meat market so it may be appropriate that this was also a place of hangings, riots and bawdy entertainment. The surgeons and doctors at nearby St Bart’s Hospital, founded in the 12th century, were always busy but their skill has saved many lives over the past 900 years. There’s also a chance to visit the Hospital museum with its famous Hogarth wall murals.

Meet at Leigh-on-Sea Station at 9.15 a.m. or outside the Barbican Station (Circle and Metropolitan Line) at 11 a.m.

Saturday, 7th November 2009:

COVENT GARDEN
Covent Garden is a busy and fascinating place with a variety of shops, restaurants as well as displays from street performers and musicians. But that’s not all. It’s also about crime, violence and poverty and the theatre. Starting at Temple Station, this walk includes a visit to Somerset House, passes the home of the BBC World Service and establishes links with the Mercers Livery Company, the Bow Street Runners and many great British actors who are remembered in St. Paul’s Church, Covent Garden. The walk finishes in Covent Garden, once a great flower and vegetable market, where you are free to enjoy the atmosphere.
Meet at Leigh-on-Sea Station 9.15 am or Temple Station (Circle and District Line) at 11.00 am

Friday, 13th November 2009

KING’S CROSS: RAILWAYS AND REGENERATION
One of Europe’s biggest re-development programmes is now taking shape around what was once an area better known for prostitutes and cheap hotels. Shops, apartments, a University and concert hall are the modern face of King’s Cross – but who can recall the misery of Agar Town, the slums and rookeries and the commercial importance of the Regent Canal which left a deep impression on the young novelist Thomas Hardy; all this nearly 200 years before Eurostar arrived at nearby St. Pancras Station.
Meet at Leigh-on-Sea Station at 9.15 am or at the ticket barrier of Platform 11 Liverpool Street Station at 10.45 am

Friday 27th November, 2009:

STRIPPING SOHO BARE!
A wicked and sinful part of London? Not really. This walk takes us a mile or two away from the busy financial heart of London to an area that has always had a ‘lively’ and sometimes dangerous reputation. This is where the stars of theatre-land often rubbed shoulders with pop stars and the more dubious characters of London’s underworld. Yet in the narrow streets and squares are the reminders that Soho’s history is so much more than night clubs, the film industry and smart restaurants.
Meet at Leigh-on-Sea Station at 9.15 a.m. You can also join at Tottenham Court Road station and should meet in the booking hall of the Central Line station at 11 a.m.

Tuesday, 15th December:

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 Russell Square.
Meet at Leigh-on-Sea Station at 9.15 am or at the ticket barriers just inside Holborn Underground Station at 11 am.

COME ON A WALK ROUND DOCKLANDS

Anyone who has marvelled at the high-rise office buildings on the Isle of Dogs now has a chance to see them at ground-level and learn more about the DOCKLANDS development.

There's a LONDON FOOTSTEPS walk on Wednesday, 12th August 2009

We meet outside the main entrance of the Canary Wharf station at 10.45 am. Cost of the walk is £5 per person and will last about 2 hours.

If you're interested then let me know. I can be contacted at info@londonfootsteps.co.uk.

INK SPOTS: FRIDAY 31ST JULY

Are you interested in joining a walk around the Fleet Street area? It will always be known as the home of the newspaper world. INK SPOTS is a journey through journalism and a fascinating insight into a street that gave its name to a whole industry.

We meet at St. Paul's Station (outside) at 11 am and the walk lasts for two hours. Great value for £5 per person.

Give me a call if you would like to come along.

DAVID WILLIAMS