Empire and Legacy - Walking Tour in Westminster

Walk in Westminster - the beating heart of British politics, that was once the centre of a global empire. Even though Britain’s imperial power is relegated to the past, the long process of colonisation and decolonisation defines the world we live in today.

At its height, the phrase "the Empire on which the sun never sets" was used to describe the vastness of the British Empire. Today, symbols of decolonisation such as statues of Mahatma Gandhi and Nelson Mandela occupy the same space as Imperial heroes like Sir Winston Churchill. What does this tell us about post colonial Britain and the soft power of monuments?

On this walk, you will discover how stories and ideas from history connect to our present.

Key Themes of the Walk

• Systems of Empire and Colonisation
• The East India Company Playbook
• Cottonopolis, Khadi and the American Civil War - the connecting thread of history
• Black Lives Matter Protest, Gurkha Justice Campaign and the UK Govt’s Retain and Explain Policy

Reviews of the Empire and Legacy Walking Tour

"Manasi was a great guide. She had a very fresh perspective to offer on the British empire’s portrayal in public spaces. She discussed many details of spatial configurations embedded in the architecture of Parliament Square area which was very intriguing. It was very educational and engaging throughout the tour." - Anvita on Google Reviews

"I highly recommend Manasi’s tour. It offers a unique and important perspective on London as an imperial capital, highlighting statues and architecture that can tell us so much about Britain’s varied relationships with the countries it controlled." - Joanna on Tripadvisor

This walk is part of a three-part series that explores how imperial power shaped London. By sharing these stories, we will map the global majority back into the city.

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Host or Publisher History Speak