In Search of London’s Poets: a Poetry Walk with Liz Ison

Explore the literary landmarks and poetic stories of the London neighbourhoods of Marylebone and Soho with Liz Ison, editor of 100 Poems to Grow Your Confidence (Batsford).

We’ll be exploring the literary landmarks and poetic stories of Marylebone and Soho and ending at Oxford Street’s literary landmark, the Poetry Ph*rm*cy. Included in the walk will be tales about Lord Byron, Elizabeth Barrett Browning, Katherine Mansfield, Dylan Thomas, William Blake, Shakespeare, Shelley, Oscar Wilde. The aim is to “take poetry for a walk” so we will be including readings along the way.

Discover:

• How the reclusive Elizabeth Barrett Browning regained her confidence

• How the golden age of radio revolutionised poetry - BBC Broadcasting House

• In which London pub the outgoing Dylan Thomas left his manuscript of Under Milk Wood

• Whether Shelley’s arrival in Soho was fuelled by over-confidence

• How self-belief led to the rise and fall of Lord Byron and Oscar Wilde

Meeting point: Hanover Square: the corner of Tenterden Street outside the Bond Street Elizabeth Line tube entrance. Postcode: W1S 1HU. Close to Oxford Circus/Bond Street tube stations (see image below)

Date and Time: Sunday 25th January, 9.50am for a prompt 10am start!

End point: The Poetry Ph*rm*cy, Lush, Oxford Street

Included in your £35 ticket price:

· You will receive a copy of 100 Poems to Grow Your Confidence

· Limited edition Poetry Ph*rm*cy Confidence poetry pills

· Hot drink and cake at the Poetry Ph*rm*cy

Duration: Approximately 1 ¾ - 2 hours

Please note that the walk will happen no matter what the weather is like, so please dress accordingly!

Feedback on ‘In Search of London’s Poets’:

“I loved the Poets Tour! Informative, inspiring & hugely enjoyable. Liz is a superstar.”

“Liz has been very lovely. Will come back for another walk”

“Such a lovely morning meeting past and present literary giants. Thank you so much”

“Exactly what I needed! Loved uncovering all these special corners of London. Thank you!”

About Liz Ison

Liz believes in the transformative power of poetry. She runs regular shared reading groups and has conducted workshops encouraging a daily poetry habit and extolling the benefits of reading aloud, and reading together. Liz has edited several poetry anthologies including A Poem to Read Aloud Every Day of the Year (Batsford 2023), Poems for Tortured Souls (Hachette Children’s Group 2024), 100 Poems to Help you Heal and 100 Poems to Help you Relax. She is a museum educator at the Charles Dickens Museum. Liz has a degree in English literature and social science from the University of Cambridge and a doctorate from University College London for research into childhood speech and literacy development.

You can follow Liz on Instagram @liz.ison

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Host or Publisher Poetry Pharmacy- Deborah Alma