Murder, Mystery and Mayhem

Join this tour to learn about a gruesome and horrific history that is written in the stones of some of today’s well-known buildings. 

Our tour starts south of St Paul’s Cathedral and you will soon learn of book burnings, fiery sermons and the hanging, drawing and quartering of political and religious adversaries. 

Learn how the fearsome Queen Isabella – the “she-wolf of France” - dealt with her enemies. Learn about the appalling conditions of one of Britain’s worst gaols and how you could use an Underground train to go to a public execution. 

You will discover how body-snatchers would dig up fresh graves to sell the corpses for money and what processes were put in place to stop them.

We talk about the martyrs who were executed at Smithfield, the raucous Bartholomew Fair that got so out of hand that the Victorians banned it and even in the seemingly peaceful Charterhouse Square, death and murder are not far away.

Are you ready to be surprised and shocked? Join our expert guide on Friday mornings to find out more.

Photos: courtesy of Niki Gorick