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

Exploring London’s history often feels like walking through a storybook, but some chapters are darker — full of executions, plagues, and grim stories from centuries ago. This 2-hour walking tour by Historic London Tours offers an eye-opening look into London’s more macabre moments, from medieval executions to the Black Death, all surrounding the historic Smithfield area. It’s informative, vivid, and thoughtfully curated for those curious about London’s more sinister side.

What really sets this experience apart is the guides’ expertise. Reviewers repeatedly praised guides like Tom, whose knowledge and storytelling skills bring the city’s gruesome history to life with humor and clarity. The tour balances fascinating facts with engaging anecdotes, making it appealing whether you’re a history buff or just interested in some darkly entertaining stories.

A potential consideration is the limited group size—only fifteen participants—which ensures a more intimate experience but means booking early is recommended. Also, since the tour involves about two miles of walking and visits to churches that may still hold services, it’s best suited for those who are comfortable with light physical activity and respectful of active religious sites.

This tour is perfect for travelers who enjoy history, especially if you appreciate a bit of macabre storytelling. It’s also great for those interested in London’s evolution from medieval execution site to a modern city, offering a vivid glimpse into the grim realities of the past that shaped the city we see today.

Key Points

• In-depth historical storytelling from knowledgeable guides like Tom and others
• Focused on London’s darker history, including Black Death, executions, and slum life
• Small group size (limited to 15) for a personalized experience
• Accessible walk covering about two miles around key historic sites
• Includes entry to churches (unless they’re holding services) and nearby landmarks
• Ideal for history enthusiasts and those interested in London’s more macabre stories

Exploring London’s Bloody Past: What to Expect

This tour is designed to take you through a century-spanning journey, charting how London’s darkest moments unfolded around the Smithfield area. You’ll step into a scene that once saw public executions, gruesome slaughterhouses, and the disposal of Black Death victims, all narrated with a mix of historical facts and engaging storytelling. Let’s break down what each stop involves and why they matter.

Starting Point: Barbican Station

Your journey kicks off just outside Barbican Station, a central hub that’s easy to find. Here, your guide will be waiting with a sign, ready to lead you through London’s darker history. From this point, the tour sets the tone—serious, yet accessible.

Charterhouse Square

The first stop, just a brief five-minute walk away, introduces the site of the historic Charterhouse. While this area is better known for its monks and Tudor connections, it’s also part of the broader medieval narrative, hinting at the layers of London’s history beneath the surface. Guides often share lesser-known stories about how the square evolved over centuries.

Smithfield Market

Next, you’ll visit Smithfield Market, renowned historically as a meat market, but also infamous as a site of public hangings and mass executions during the Middle Ages. Here, guides explain how torture and execution methods like hanging, beheading, and burning were commonplace. The market’s gruesome reputation is reinforced by its role in London’s dark past, and guides will share stories like William Wallace’s execution nearby, emphasizing the brutal justice of old.

St John’s Gate & Cloth Fair

Moving on, the tour visits St John’s Gate, a medieval gateway, and the surrounding Cloth Fair, once a thriving medieval cloth district. These locations show how the area was once a hub of commerce, but also a place where fear and punishment were ever-present. The guides highlight how Dickens later memorialized parts of this area in Oliver Twist, transforming its gritty past into literary fame.

St Bartholomew the Great & Sir William Wallace Memorial

One of the highlights is the St Bartholomew the Great church, often called London’s oldest surviving parish church. It’s said to host an Eighteenth-century ghost, adding a spooky flavor to the tour. Nearby, you’ll find the Sir William Wallace Memorial, marking the place of the Scottish hero’s execution in 1305. The guide recounts Wallace’s tragic fate and dispels some myths, like his fiery “Freedom” cry—something he was likely too exhausted to shout at that point!

St Bartholomew’s Hospital & Golden Boy of Pye Corner

Continuing, you’ll explore St Bartholomew’s Hospital, founded in 1123, which has seen centuries of London’s medical history, from plague to modern medicine. Nearby is the Golden Boy of Pye Corner, a monument symbolizing the end of the Great Plague in 1665, but also associated with the gruesome disposal of Black Death victims—highlighting how London dealt with disease and death.

Smithfield Market & Ely Place

The tour concludes near Smithfield Market again, emphasizing its transformation from medieval slaughterhouse to modern marketplace. As you walk around, your guide may share stories about how the area became a notorious slum, inspiring Dickens’ Oliver Twist and other works. The final stop at Ely Place offers a look at London’s old aristocratic enclaves, ending the tour on a slightly lighter note after all the dark tales.

Why This Tour Offers Great Value

At just under $27, this experience provides a surprisingly comprehensive look at London’s grim past without requiring an extensive time commitment. For the price, you’re getting expert guidance, access to historic sites (where possible), and a vivid narrative that makes history feel alive. The small group size — limited to 15 — ensures your guide, like Tom, can answer questions and tailor the storytelling, which many reviewers appreciated.

The two-hour duration is perfect for fitting into a busy sightseeing schedule. It’s long enough to cover significant stories and sites but brief enough to avoid fatigue. The walk is about two miles, so comfortable footwear is recommended, especially since the tour visits some churches that might still hold services, and you might want to respect their atmosphere.

The Value of a Knowledgeable Guide

Many reviews highlight the guides’ expertise as a key strength. One reviewer, GetYourGuide traveler, noted that “the guide knew a lot about the subject, very friendly, funny, and explained our doubts.” This kind of personalized storytelling adds depth and clarity to what could otherwise be just a series of facts. The guides’ ability to balance historical accuracy with humor and engaging anecdotes makes the experience accessible and enjoyable.

Accessibility and Practical Details

The tour starts outside Barbican Station and ends near Farringdon Station, making it convenient for public transport users. Since the tour involves minimal walking on uneven surfaces and visits churches where active services might be ongoing, it’s suitable for most healthy adults. However, it’s not recommended for children under 13, considering the dark themes.

Cancellation policies are flexible—full refunds are available if canceled 24 hours in advance—making it a low-risk option for spontaneous plans or uncertain schedules.

Who Will Love This Experience?

This tour is ideal for history buffs wanting a focused look at London’s more gruesome and fascinating past. It’s perfect if you’re someone who enjoys stories about medieval justice, the Black Death, and London’s slum history. The small group setting and knowledgeable guides ensure the stories feel personal and engaging.

It’s also suited for travelers who prefer walking tours that balance scenic routes with storytelling, rather than bus or large-group excursions. If you’re interested in literature, the Dickens connection adds an extra layer of interest, making it appealing to book lovers as well.

However, those looking for a lighthearted, family-friendly sightseeing experience might find some themes a bit intense or dark—so consider your comfort with medieval violence and death.

Final Thoughts

This walking tour offers a compelling look into London’s brutal past, combining historical facts with lively storytelling. The focus on Smithfield’s gruesome history, combined with sites like St John’s Gate and the Sir William Wallace memorial, makes it a well-rounded exploration of London’s darker chapters.

The expert guides elevate the experience, making history accessible and memorable. The relatively low price point, coupled with the small group size and flexible cancellation policy, makes it a practical choice for curious travelers.

If you’re keen to see a side of London often left out of glossy guidebooks, this tour delivers a vivid, authentic portrait. It’s a perfect pick for those who want to learn, laugh, and perhaps shudder a little at London’s bloody past.

FAQ

Is the tour suitable for children?
This tour is not recommended for children under 13 due to its dark themes and historical content related to executions and plagues.

How long does the tour last?
The tour lasts approximately two hours, covering about two miles of walking around key historic sites.

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 entry to churches included?
Yes, entry is included to churches along the route, provided no services are in progress at the time of your visit.

Can I cancel this tour?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, offering flexibility for changing plans.

What should I wear?
Comfortable walking shoes are recommended, as the tour involves about two miles of walking on varied surfaces.

Is this tour accessible?
Given the walking involved and the nature of the sites, it’s best suited for healthy adults. Those with mobility issues should consider this before booking.

Do I need to book in advance?
Yes, booking early is advised as the tour has a limited group size of 15, ensuring a more personal experience.