London: Georgian Thieves and the Thief-Taker General

If you’re thinking about exploring London’s gritty underbelly from the 1700s, this Georgian Thieves and the Thief-Taker General tour offers a fascinating glimpse into the city’s shadowy criminal world. While it’s not a deep dive into every alley of London’s dark history, it provides a well-rounded, engaging overview of one of its most notorious figures—Jonathan Wild—and the era that made him infamous.

What makes this tour particularly appealing? First, the knowledgeable guides really bring the stories to life, giving you a clearer picture of how crime, law enforcement, and politics intertwined in early 18th-century London. Second, the route covers some of the city’s most iconic sites, like Trafalgar Square, Fleet Street, and the Old Bailey, blending history with a sense of place.

However, a possible downside is that the tour is relatively short—just two hours—and sticks primarily to outdoor sites. That means no inside visits or museums included, so if you’re looking for a more immersive, inside look at London’s criminal history, this might not be your best bet. Still, if you appreciate a good story told well, this tour would suit travelers who love history, true crime, or simply want a different perspective on London’s past.

This experience is ideal for those who prefer guided walks over self-guided explorations and are comfortable walking for about two hours in London’s streets. It’s also well-suited for curious travelers who want an insightful, budget-friendly look at the city’s dark side.

Key Points

• Affordable: At around $27, this is a cost-effective way to explore London’s criminal history.
• Expert Guides: Reviewers highlight how knowledgeable and engaging the guides are.
• Historical Focus: The tour emphasizes the life of Jonathan Wild and London’s criminal underworld.
• Well-Planned Route: It covers key sites like Trafalgar Square, Fleet Street, and the Old Bailey.
• Outdoor Experience: No inside visits; everything is outdoors, so dress appropriately.
• Family & Accessibility: Not suitable for children under 12 or those with mobility issues.

You can check availability for your dates here:

A Closer Look at the Tour

The Beginning at Trafalgar Square

The tour kicks off at Trafalgar Square, one of London’s most recognizable landmarks. Meeting next to the fountains, you’ll naturally start soaking in the city’s bustling atmosphere. From here, your guide will set the tone, giving you a quick orientation about the route and what you’re about to discover.

St Martin-in-the-Fields and the First Stories

Your first stop is the historic St Martin-in-the-Fields, a church with centuries of stories. While the 15-minute guided segment here is brief, it’s enough to frame the narrative of London’s legal and criminal landscape during the Georgian era. Expect to hear about the interconnectedness of law enforcement and crime, especially how figures like Jonathan Wild managed to manipulate both worlds.

A Deeper Dive into London’s Criminal Underworld

The main part of the tour lasts about 45 minutes, where you’ll walk through the streets that once hid London’s rogues and villains. Your guide will tell tales of how Jonathan Wild, dubbed the “Thief-Taker General,” managed to appear as London’s chief crimefighter while secretly orchestrating thefts himself. This duality is a compelling story—someone who played both sides of the law with finesse and ruthlessness.

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Theatre Royal, Drury Lane, and Fleet Street

Next, you’ll explore the Theatre Royal at Drury Lane, a site with ties to London’s darker entertainment history, and then head towards Fleet Street—famous as the heart of London’s printing and journalism scene. Here, your guide might share stories of how the press and crime overlapped, shedding light on how Wild and other villains stayed in the shadows. These stops are crucial because they cement the sense of place and period, blending London’s theatrical, legal, and criminal worlds.

The Final Stop at the Old Bailey

The tour culminates near the Old Bailey, London’s central criminal court. Standing here, it’s easier to visualize the grim reality for London’s criminals and the justice system that tried them. While you won’t enter the courthouse, the surrounding area is historically significant, and your guide will likely share stories from famous trials and Wild’s eventual downfall.

What’s Not Included

Since this is an outdoor walking tour, there’s no inside access to any locations. You won’t need to worry about entrance fees, but it also means you won’t get to step inside buildings or museums. As such, it’s best if you’re comfortable walking at a steady pace and dressed for the weather.

The Experience Details

The total duration is just two hours, making it a manageable but insightful experience. Starting early in the day and checking availability ensures you get a spot at your preferred time. The tour is conducted in English, with tips and suggestions for navigating London beyond the tour.

The price point is quite reasonable, especially given the depth of storytelling and the historic sites covered. You’re paying mainly for the guide’s expertise, so picking a tour with knowledgeable guides really pays off. Many reviewers praise the guides for their lively storytelling and ability to bring the period alive, making history feel relevant and vivid.

Since the tour ends back at the starting point, Trafalgar Square, it seamlessly fits into a busy day of sightseeing. You might choose to grab a meal nearby or continue exploring other historic sites in the area.

Is It Worth It?

In terms of value, this tour offers a lot for the price, particularly if you’re interested in London’s criminal past or enjoy guided storytelling. Remember, you’re not paying for inside visits or museum entries, but for a well-guided walk through key locations with expert commentary.

If you’re someone who appreciates storytelling, authentic local insights, and a good dose of true crime, this tour will likely be a highlight. However, if you prefer private tours or inside access, you might find this a bit limited.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience is best suited for adult travelers and older teens (over 12), especially those interested in history, crime, or London’s past. It’s an accessible walk for most, but not suitable for those with mobility issues or wheelchairs.

It’s great for history buffs, curious travelers wanting a different perspective on London, or anyone who enjoys a good story told by a passionate guide. If you’re traveling with kids, keep in mind that some of the stories involve crime and violence, so discretion is advised.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the tour?
The tour lasts 2 hours, covering several key sites around London’s historic criminal landscape.

Is this tour suitable for children?
Not really—it’s designed for those over 12 years old due to the nature of the stories and walking involved.

Do I need to pay for entrance fees?
No, since it’s an outdoor walking tour, you won’t pay for inside attractions. You only pay the tour price.

What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes, weather-appropriate clothing, a camera, and water are recommended for the walk.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, cancellations are free if made at least 24 hours in advance.

Is it accessible for people with mobility issues?
No, unfortunately, this tour isn’t suitable for those with mobility impairments or in wheelchairs.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a cost-effective, engaging way to learn about London’s criminal past, this Georgian Thieves and the Thief-Taker General tour hits the mark. The guides’ storytelling skills make the history feel alive, and the route through iconic sites adds context to the tales of rogues and lawmen alike.

While it’s a shorter, outdoor-focused experience, it offers a solid glimpse into a fascinating period of London’s history. It’s perfect for history enthusiasts, true crime fans, or travelers who want a guided taste of London’s darker stories without the fuss of inside visits.

For anyone who appreciates a good story told well and wants to walk through London’s historic streets with a knowledgeable guide, this tour is well worth considering. Just remember to dress comfortably, bring your curiosity—and perhaps a camera to capture the sights and stories along the way.

You can check availability for your dates here: