Burnings, Butchery & Black Death: A Walking Tour of London’s Bloody Past

Exploring London’s Bloody Past: A Close Look at the “Burnings, Butchery & Black Death” Tour

If you’re into history that’s a little darker and a lot more fascinating, the Burnings, Butchery & Black Death walking tour offers a compelling glimpse into London’s more gruesome stories. Touted as a small-group experience, it promises to cover over a thousand years of history in just around two hours—an impressive feat, but one that requires some quick walking and an open mind.

What we love about this tour is how deeply it dives into the city’s more disturbing chapters, from medieval plagues to Victorian-era ghost stories. Plus, the fact that it’s capped at 15 travelers means you get a more personal, engaging experience with your guide, Tom, who clearly knows his stuff. On the flip side, this is not a tour for those seeking a leisurely walk or a focus on lighter, family-friendly stories—this one leans into the grim and gritty side of London’s history.

If you’re a history buff, a curious traveler, or someone who just wants to see a different side of London beyond the typical sights, this tour could be a perfect pick. Just be prepared for some darker tales and a brisk pace. It’s an experience that tends to attract folks who appreciate storytelling with a bit of an edge—and many rave about the knowledgeable guides and fascinating hidden gems you’ll encounter along the way.

Key Points

• Dark and Gruesome Tales: This tour focuses on London’s more violent and plague-ridden past.
• Historical Depth: Covers over a thousand years of history in just two hours.
• Small Group: Limited to 15 people, ensuring a more personalized experience.
• Highly Recommended Guide: Many reviews praise Tom’s storytelling and knowledge.
• Great Value: At around $27, this offers an affordable way to get a deep historical perspective.
• Walking & Sightseeing: Covers a variety of historic sites, some of which are hidden or lesser-known.

A Closer Look: What the Tour Includes

Starting at Underground Ltd on Aldersgate Street, your journey through London’s darker history begins. The tour is well-paced, with each stop offering a bite-sized look into a different facet of the city’s past—nothing overwhelming, just enough to keep things interesting.

The stops are thoughtfully chosen, from ancient religious sites to grisly remnants of the city’s plague-ridden past. For example, you’ll visit The Charterhouse, a 14th-century monastery and plague pit where the dead were buried during times of crisis. It’s a sobering site that vividly illustrates how London dealt with outbreaks centuries ago.

Next, you’ll explore Smithfield Market, an ancient meat market that has been operational for over a thousand years. It’s a fascinating place that ties into London’s long history of commerce and, surprisingly, some dark stories tied to butcheries and executions. Many review comments highlight how the guide makes these connections come alive, sharing stories that you might not find in typical guidebooks.

Moving on, the tour includes St John’s Gate, the medieval home of the Knights Hospitallers, and a walk through Cloth Fair, a quiet alleyway with a history as noisy and tumultuous as the city itself. The guide’s storytelling skills shine here, weaving historical facts with engaging anecdotes.

The William Wallace Memorial and Church of St. Bartholomew the Great—the oldest surviving parish church in London—are also on the route, offering a mix of legendary figures and medieval architecture. The church, in particular, stands out as a serene yet historic space, with reviews praising the guide’s detailed explanations.

Later, you’ll stop at Golden Boy of Pye Corner, marking the spot where the Great Fire of 1666 finally died out—and also a site associated with 18th-century ghost stories that add an eerie touch to the tour. From there, the walk takes you to Holborn Viaduct, which reveals Victorian London’s infamous open sewer, the River Fleet, and completes at a hidden gem, Ye Olde Mitre pub, where many a traveler enjoys wrapping up the tour with a pint.

Finally, you’ll visit St. Bartholomew’s Hospital Museum, known as the oldest surviving hospital in the country, which ties together themes of health, death, and survival throughout London’s story.

Why This Tour Is Worth It

At just $27.54 per person, the value is impressive considering the depth of history covered and the number of sites visited. The small-group format ensures that everyone can hear the guide and participate actively, making it more like a storytelling session than a typical sightseeing walk. Many reviewers commend Tom’s ability to make history engaging—some even say he elevates the experience with humor and personal insights.

The tour’s reviews consistently reflect high satisfaction, with 238 travelers giving it a perfect 5-star rating. Comments such as “Great tour,” “Highly recommended,” and “A top London experience” echo the sentiment that this isn’t just another generic city walk. Instead, it’s an immersive journey into the city’s darker, bloodier corners, made more vivid by Tom’s storytelling.

However, keep in mind the tour’s focus on gruesome and sometimes macabre stories. If you’re squeamish about death, violence, or plague tales, this might not be your ideal walk. Also, since the tour covers a lot of ground in a limited time, be prepared for some brisk walking—and possibly a few narrow alleyways and uneven surfaces.

The Itinerary in Detail

Start at The Charterhouse: Your introduction to London’s medieval past begins here. It’s a site that served as a monastery and a plague pit, a stark reminder of how deadly outbreaks shaped the city. The tour’s short, 10-minute stop here allows for a quick but impactful story about London’s response to epidemics.

Smithfield Market: An ancient hub of commerce, this market has seen over a thousand years of London’s history. As you walk through, your guide might share stories of execution and butchery, given its long association with meat trading and its dark past.

St John’s Gate: This historic site connects to the medieval Knights Hospitallers, adding a layer of chivalry and hardship from the Middle Ages. The guide makes history engaging here, bringing stories of knights and monks to life.

Cloth Fair: Despite its quiet appearance today, this alley has a noisy past—full of markets, protests, and stories of London’s working classes. It’s a favorite among reviewers for its authenticity and charm.

William Wallace Memorial: An unexpected stop that ties into legendary Scottish hero William Wallace. Many find it adds a bit of international legend to the mix of gruesome London stories.

Church of St. Bartholomew the Great: A highlight of the tour, this church is the oldest surviving parish church in London. Its Romanesque architecture and stories of medieval life make it a peaceful yet historically rich stop.

Golden Boy of Pye Corner: Beyond its gruesome association with the Great Fire, the site is linked with ghost stories and local legends, adding a spooky twist to the history walk.

Holborn Viaduct: This area reveals Victorian London’s infamous open sewer system—the River Fleet—and gives a gritty glimpse of how sanitation issues affected daily life.

Ye Olde Mitre Pub: Many reviewers love ending the tour here, enjoying a drink in a historic pub that’s been around since the 15th century, rounding off a day steeped in London’s darker side.

St. Bartholomew’s Hospital Museum: Concluding the walk, this museum highlights the longevity of healthcare in London, contrasting the past with today’s medical advances.

The Guide and Overall Experience

Reviewers rave about Tom’s storytelling skills. His detailed knowledge and ability to weave engaging stories with historical facts are often highlighted as standout qualities. Many say he makes the stories visceral and memorable—some even mention how he relates grim stories to modern life, making them more relevant and engaging.

The small group size ensures everyone gets a chance to ask questions and hear the stories clearly. Many reviews mention how well the guide manages the group, balancing storytelling with the pace of the walk.

The tour lasts about two hours, making it a manageable activity that fits into a busy day. The price includes the tour itself, with no extra charges for the stops, which many find excellent value considering the quality of the guide and the sites visited.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience suits those interested in history, storytelling, and London’s darker stories. It’s perfect for travelers who want to see parts of the city most visitors overlook and who are comfortable with a brisk pace and some macabre tales. It’s also great for fans of storytelling, as Tom’s engaging style keeps things lively.

If you’re traveling with children or prefer lighter, family-friendly stories, this tour might be too intense. Likewise, if you prefer a relaxed pace or more visual sightseeing, you might find this brisk and story-heavy walk a bit tiring.

Final Thoughts

For the price, this walking tour offers a rich, engaging look at London’s more grisly past. The combination of historical sites, vivid stories, and a knowledgeable guide makes it a memorable experience. It’s especially well-suited for travelers who love history with a dark twist and who value small-group, personalized experiences.

While it’s not a typical sightseeing tour with grand monuments, it compensates with fascinating stories and lesser-known sites that add depth and context to London’s long story. If you’re after an authentic, story-driven exploration of the city’s grimmer chapters, this tour will not disappoint.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for families or children?
This tour focuses on London’s darker stories, including gruesome tales and historical executions, so it’s best for older teens and adults who can handle some intense history. It may not be ideal for young children or those sensitive to grim topics.

How long does the tour last?
It’s approximately 2 hours, covering multiple historic sites with short stops. Expect brisk walking but plenty of engaging stories along the way.

What is the group size?
The tour is limited to a maximum of 15 travelers, which helps keep it intimate and allows everyone to hear and participate.

How much does it cost?
The price is around $27.54 per person, which is quite reasonable given the depth of history covered and the personalized experience.

Do I need to book in advance?
Yes, it’s recommended to book about a month in advance—on average, travelers book about 37 days ahead—since the small group size fills up quickly.

Are there any hidden costs or extras?
The tour fee covers all the stops and the guide’s storytelling. Some sites may have optional small admission fees, but none are included in the tour price.

What should I wear or bring?
Comfortable walking shoes are a must, as you’ll be on your feet for about two hours. An umbrella or raincoat might be helpful in bad weather, and don’t forget your curiosity and sense of adventure.

This detailed, honest review aims to give you all the insights you need to decide whether this London tour fits your travel style. If dark tales and hidden corners of the city intrigue you, it might just become one of your favorite experiences in London.