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

A Walking Tour of London’s Bloody Past

Immerse yourself in the harrowing history of London’s darkest days at Burnings, Butchery & Black Death: A Walking Tour of London’s Bloody Past, a captivating experience that takes you on a journey through the city’s gruesome past. Located at Barbican, Underground Ltd, Aldersgate St, City of London, this tour offers a chilling and informative exploration of the capital’s most notorious events, leaving an indelible mark on all who dare to venture forth.

As you step into the shadows of this historic district, the past comes alive through the skilled narration of our expert guides. The tour begins with a haunting look at the infamous Smithfield Meat Market, where the execution of heretics and the burning of witches took place during the religious upheavals of the 16th century. The air is thick with the scent of charred flesh and the echoes of agonized screams, as you imagine the horror that unfolded on these very streets.

From there, you’ll be led to the site of the Newgate Prison, once a notorious den of cruelty and despair. The imposing walls of this grim fortress seem to whisper tales of the countless souls who met their demise within its confines, be it through the noose, the lash, or the ravages of disease. As you peer into the dark cells and listen to the harrowing stories of the prisoners, the weight of their suffering becomes palpable.

Next, the tour ventures into the depths of the Black Death, the devastating plague that swept through London in the 14th century, claiming the lives of countless residents. The Bishopsgate Plague Pit, a mass grave where thousands of victims were hastily interred, stands as a poignant reminder of the immense scale of this tragedy. Here, you’ll learn about the gruesome methods employed to combat the disease, and the impact it had on the social and economic fabric of the city.

But the horrors of London’s past do not end there. The tour takes you to the site of the Tyburn Tree, the infamous public gallows where thousands of criminals, political dissidents, and religious martyrs were executed in the most brutal fashion. As you stand in the shadow of this ominous structure, you can almost feel the weight of the noose around your neck and the collective anguish of those who met their end here.

Throughout the tour, you’ll be captivated by the vivid accounts of our guides, who weave together historical facts, eyewitness testimonies, and chilling anecdotes to paint a vivid picture of London’s darkest chapters. From the scorching flames of the Smithfield burnings to the chilling echoes of the Newgate Prison, every step of the way is a testament to the resilience and the vulnerability of the human spirit in the face of unimaginable cruelty.

Burnings, Butchery & Black Death: A Walking Tour of London’s Bloody Past is not for the faint of heart, but for those with a thirst for the macabre and a deep fascination with the darker aspects of history. This tour is a testament to the enduring power of storytelling, a haunting and captivating exploration of the city’s most gruesome and unforgettable past. Whether you’re a history enthusiast or simply seeking a uniquely thrilling experience, this tour will leave an indelible mark on your memory, a testament to the resilience and the fragility of the human condition.

Additional Features

Additional Information

• Service animals allowed
• Public transportation options are available nearby
• Suitable for all physical fitness levels
• Not wheelchair accessible
• Please bring your ticket with you to the attraction.