Walking Tour: Music in 18th-Century London

Discover the soundscape of 18th-century London, where music flourished at every level of society from street balladeers to the grandeur of the opera.

In a city transformed by trade, empire and a growing middle class, music underwent a popular explosion, spilling into homes, churches, taverns, theatres, coffee houses, clubs and charities such as The Foundling Hospital, where Handel’s Messiah was performed annually to audiences of over 1,000 people.

On this music-themed walking tour, you'll journey from St James’s and Mayfair to Covent Garden, exploring the places where Londoners made, heard and celebrated music. Along the way, you’ll meet the remarkable musicians, singers and composers of the age - from the formerly enslaved composer Ignatius Sancho to the Italian castrato Senesino who was the rock star of his day, and commanded over £2,000 for a single season.

Itinerary:

11am: Meet outside The Ritz, Piccadilly

1pm: End

About your guide:

Bridget Chandler is a tour guide who has been leading historical tours for many years for various museums, including the Charterhouse, the Foundling Museum and the Museum of London, as well as organisations such as Art Fund and the Fine Art Society.

'We signed up to a walking tour of London called 'Drink, Death and Debauchery'. Had a brilliant 2+ hours with a wonderful guide called Bridget whose knowledge of the area and historical information was amazing! Learned so much and finished off at the museum which was included in the ticket price. Highly recommend!'

Tripadvisor review, June 2024

This tour will last approximately 2 hours and will require both walking and standing. Unless severe weather is forecast, the tour will be going ahead so please bring an umbrella/waterproof jacket.

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Host or Publisher The Foundling Museum