Slavery & City of London Walking Tour by Sams Walks

Exploring Britain’s Darker Past on the Slavery & City of London Walking Tour

This walking tour offers a rare glimpse into a side of British history that often gets overshadowed by royal and imperial narratives. Spanning 2000 years, it uncovers how slavery existed from Roman times through to the 19th century, focusing on the role played by the City of London itself. Led by knowledgeable guides, this experience is both eye-opening and thought-provoking, making it a compelling choice for those interested in authentic history rather than surface-level sightseeing.

One of the things we love about this tour is its focus on lesser-known stories, especially about how Britons themselves were enslaved over centuries, including during the Roman era and the Germanic tribes period. The inclusion of artifacts, sculptures, and hidden sites offers a tactile connection to the past. However, a potential challenge is the quick pace—at around 1.5 hours, it’s quite condensed, so history buffs who love deep dives might wish for more time. Still, for those wanting a concise but meaningful overview, this tour hits the mark.

It’s ideal for travelers who crave a meaningful narrative layered into the historic streets of London, especially those interested in social history, abolition, and the evolution of class and power. If you’re seeking a guided walk with authentic insights and a focus on Britain’s complex history with slavery, this tour will suit you well.

Key Points

• Unique Focus: The tour emphasizes a rarely discussed aspect of British history—the enslavement of Britons themselves over two millennia.
• Expert Guides: Guides are praised for their knowledge, making complex topics understandable and engaging.
• Authentic Experience: Walking past artifacts, sculptures, and historic sites, you gain physical connections to the stories told.
• Concise but Informative: At 1.5 hours, it offers a substantial overview without overwhelming your schedule.
• Accessible and Flexible: Suitable for all, with wheelchair accessibility and optional flexible booking.
• Educational Value: The tour covers changes from Roman times through the 11th and 18th centuries, connecting slavery to class structures and legal shifts like feudalism.

An In-Depth Look at the Tour Experience

Overview and First Impressions

Starting at Tower Hill Tram, this walk is designed to give you a layered understanding of London’s deep and often uncomfortable history. The guide, identifiable by a sign reading “Slavery & City of London Walk,” immediately sets a tone of serious exploration. Guided tours like this are a fantastic way to engage with history beyond what you might pick up from a book or a quick museum visit.

The Route and Its Highlights

The tour kicks off near the Tower of London with a brief guided visit—just about 10 minutes—giving context about the significance of this historic site. From here, you’ll venture into the city streets, passing by landmarks such as Roman Wall by Vine Street, Leadenhall Street with Lloyd’s building, and the East India Company site. These stops are carefully chosen to showcase London’s layered past, especially its economic and social history.

One of the most compelling parts of the walk is the visit to Lombard Street and Lloyds Coffee House, where the roots of Britain’s slave trade and abolition movements are subtly woven into the architecture and the history of commerce. The George Yard, home of the Society for the Abolition of The Slave Trade, offers a tangible link to the efforts to end slavery.

The Hidden Depths of London’s Streets

Throughout the walk, the guide points out artifacts, sculptures, and discreet sites that reveal how deeply intertwined slavery and commerce are in London’s history. For example, the tour mentions planation Lane and Fen Court, where the history of class division and economic power is palpable.

The final parts of the walk include St Mary Woolnoth Churchyard and the East India Arms—sites that anchor the narrative in real places where history happened or was commemorated. The tour wraps up back at Aldgate Square, leaving you with questions to ponder and a richer understanding of Britain’s complicated past.

What You Will Learn

This tour emphasizes the evolution of slavery, from its Roman roots to Germanic tribes’ practices, moving through the 11th century with William the Conqueror’s introduction of Feudalism—a system that, in many ways, replaced slavery but shared similar social hierarchies. The guide explains how indentured servitude and press gangs persisted into later centuries, shaping class and legal systems.

You’ll also hear about class structure and division, with detailed insights into the role of commissioned officers and the suffrage movement, adding layers to your understanding of Britain’s social fabric.

Authentic Insights from Reviews

Long-time followers of this tour have praised the guides for their depth of knowledge and ability to make complex topics accessible. One reviewer noted, “The guide really brought history to life, especially the stories about Britons themselves being enslaved,” which is a perspective often overlooked in typical history tours. Many appreciated the chance to see artifacts and sculptures that aren’t always highlighted in mainstream guides.

The tour’s pace was noted as perfect for a quick yet meaningful experience, with some suggesting that it feels like a “history crash course” in 90 minutes—ideal for travelers short on time but eager to learn.

Practical Information and Tips

Price: At around $27 per person, this tour offers excellent value considering the depth of the historical context and guided expertise. It’s a cost-effective way to gain insight into an often-neglected aspect of British history.

Duration: 1.5 hours is just enough time to get a thorough overview without feeling rushed. The tour’s length makes it perfect for pairing with other London activities.

Starting Point: The walk begins at Tower Hill Tram, a convenient location near the Tower of London. The meeting point is marked clearly with the guide’s sign, making it easy to find.

Accessibility: The tour is wheelchair accessible and suitable for most visitors, ensuring everyone can engage with the stories being told.

Booking: Flexible options include free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, and you can reserve your spot with the option to pay later, making planning easier.

What to Bring: Comfortable shoes and clothes are advised since you’ll be walking through the city streets.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This tour is an excellent choice for history enthusiasts who want a focused look at Britain’s complex relationship with slavery. It’s also perfect for travelers interested in social justice, abolition, and the evolution of class systems.

If you’re seeking a thought-provoking experience that challenges traditional narratives of London, you’ll find this tour particularly rewarding. It’s equally suited for those with a casual curiosity or serious history buffs wanting a concise but detailed exploration.

The Sum Up

This walking tour offers a rare opportunity to see London through the lens of its darker past, revealing stories of slavery, social inequalities, and economic history that are often ignored. Led by guides praised for their expertise and engaging storytelling, this experience transforms familiar streets into a living history lesson.

At just under $30, it’s a very accessible way to deepen your understanding of Britain’s complex past, making it well worth carving out time in your schedule. The combination of authentic artifacts, hidden sites, and thought-provoking narratives makes it stand out from typical city tours.

Whether you’re a history lover, a social justice enthusiast, or simply someone eager to see a different side of London, this tour will leave you with a new perspective on the city’s enduring legacy.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for all ages?
Yes, the tour is generally suitable for most ages, especially since it is wheelchair accessible. However, younger children might find the depth of historical discussion less engaging.

How long does the tour last?
The guided experience runs for approximately 1.5 hours, making it easy to fit into a busy sightseeing schedule.

Where does the tour start and end?
It begins at Tower Hill Tram and ends back at Aldgate Square, making it convenient for those already touring central London.

Is the tour guided in English only?
Yes, the live tour guide speaks English. It’s recommended to have a basic understanding of English to fully enjoy the commentary.

Can I cancel my reservation?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, offering flexibility if your plans change.

What should I wear?
Comfortable shoes and clothes suitable for walking are recommended since you’ll be on your feet for the duration.

Is it worth the price?
Considering the detailed insights, expert guidance, and focus on a seldom-discussed aspect of history, many find this tour offers excellent value.

This tour is a captivating way to explore not just the geography but the hidden stories that have shaped London and Britain. If you’re curious about the social history behind the city’s grandeur and want to understand its full story, this experience is hard to beat.