The Mysterious Black Tudors City of London Walking Tour

This two-hour walking tour through the City of London uncovers the often-overlooked histories of Black Tudors. The journey explores the lives, contributions and legacies of Black individuals within the heart of London's social and economic life during the Tudor period.

Beginning at the historic Guildhall, we explore the city's guilds and liveries, illuminating the networks that sustained Medieval and Tudor London. You will learn how these powerful trade associations controlled City life, from regulating crafts and commerce to governing who could work and live in London. As we navigate the city's streets, we examine perceptions of race, tracing how these ideas evolved over centuries and how they differed during the Tudor period.

Through researched accounts and primary sources, we present the lives of Black individuals in Tudor England, some living and working in City of London as a Knight, craftspeople and servants. The tour highlights how Tudor society's understanding of identity centred around religion, nationality and social class rather than skin colour.

We examine historical shifts from Tudor conceptions of difference to the racial categories that emerged with the later Atlantic slave trade. At sites connected to the slave trade, including coffee houses where human trafficking was organised and churches where former slave traders sought redemption, we uncover how economic interests shaped racial thinking.

Our journey concludes at St Botolph Aldgate Parish, where we reflect on the legacies of Black Tudors and their role in shaping London's history, offering a nuanced view of Britain's multicultural past and the established presence of Black individuals in the capital.

• Start Time: 11:00 AM
• Duration: 2 hours
• Distance: Approximately 2 miles
• Starting Point: Guildhall Yard, London EC2V 5AE
• Ending Point: St Botolph Aldgate Parish
• Accessibility: The route is level access and suitable for those with mobility concerns.

Designed for adults, this tour is an immersive and thought-provoking experience. However, children with a deep interest in history and the ability to walk the full distance are welcome.

Comfortable footwear and weather-appropriate clothing are highly recommended. Please contact us in advance if you have any specific accessibility requirements.

A: Yes! The tour is level access, making it suitable for individuals with mobility concerns. If you have specific accessibility requirements, please feel free to contact us in advance so we can assist.

A: Toilets are available at Guildhall, near the starting point, and at Black Sheep Coffee on Leadenhall Street, which is convenient to use at the end of the tour.

A: This tour is designed for adults. However, children with a keen interest in history and the ability to complete the 2-mile walk are welcome to join.

A: Yes, well-behaved pets are welcome as long as they are kept on a lead.

A: We recommend comfortable walking shoes, weather-appropriate clothing, and a bottle of water to stay hydrated during the 2-hour walk.

A: The tour begins at Guildhall Yard, London EC2V 5AE and concludes at St Botolph Aldgate Parish.

We meet at Guildhall Yard London EC2V 5AE.

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