A Tale of Two Slums Walking Tour

Discover the vivid world of Charles Dickens' London, explore transformative tales of plucky women and remarkable landmarks, and witness the Seven Dials area's evolution from slum to vibrant shopping hub—this tour is a captivating journey through history, architecture, and human resilience.

Rich in stories and steeped in history, the "Historic Lanes and Hidden Gems" tour promises an unforgettable narrative that captures the soul of London, making it an indispensable experience for locals and visitors alike.

Discover the lesser-known but immensely fascinating corners of London with the "Historic Lanes and Hidden Gems" walking tour. Guided by experienced professionals, this unique journey through the city offers an unparalleled insight into the social, architectural, and cultural changes that have shaped the metropolis we know today.

Begin at the iconic Tin Pan Alley, once the epicentre of London's musical landscape. Learn how this single street witnessed a transformation from a hub for sheet music publishers in the 1800s to a hotspot for British rock and pop in the 1960s, and what characterises it in the modern era.

St. Giles in the Fields Church and the adjacent Resurrection Gate take you on a sweeping tour through centuries of London's social and religious history. From its medieval roots as a leprosy hospital founded by Queen Mathilda to its transformation into a 'Poet's Church', discover its fascinating history, including the macabre tale of hangings and the gibbet. Trace how the development of surrounding roads transformed this area into a critical point in London’s growth.

A dramatic contrast awaits as we discuss the Renzo Piano building, a modern architectural marvel. Learn about Renzo Piano’s other notable projects and delve into the area’s transformation from its Victorian roots through to the 1950s, examining what once stood where this glass edifice now glimmers.

Step into the alleys of Betterton Street and experience its storied past as the Rookery, a notorious slum area. Immerse yourself in its reputation, once feared by the middle classes for both disease and robbery. From the arrival of Irish navvies to Dickens' vivid portrayals in 'Sketches by Boz', peel back the layers of this historically rich locale.

At Bloomsbury Central Baptist Church, explore the efforts of philanthropy amid poverty. Designed by the renowned architect Peto, the church has long maintained an outreach to the poor, a tradition which continues with its modern-day soup kitchen.

Moving on to Endell Street, marvel at the St Giles National School building, a striking Neo-Gothic edifice designed by Edward Middleton Barry. Once attended by children from local slums, it now serves as St Mungo’s and continues to cater to the vulnerable, notably through its basement soup kitchen.

A stone’s throw away lies another chapter of Endell Street’s history—a military hospital operated exclusively by women during WW1. This was a revolutionary moment for female doctors, who, for the first time, were practising medicine on male patients.

Your journey leads next to the hustle and bustle of Thomas Neal’s Seven Dials Market. Uncover its history—from brewery to warehouses, from a slum district to its decline and eventual revitalisation as a modern eatery and the nearby Donmar theatre.

The tour culminates at the Seven Dials Monument, a testament to the complex web of history, social struggle and urban planning that defines the area. Learn about Thomas Neal's ambitious urban vision, its descent into notorious slums, and the secret pathways used by thieves, vividly depicted in Dickens' literary strolls.

Finally, unwind at Neal’s Yard, where the story of Nicholas Saunders marks a transformative chapter from its 1970s condition to the vibrant community space it is today.

Host or Publisher Sylvia McNamara at London Guided Walks