Private Shakespeare Walking Tour of London
Led by one of our fantastic guides, who are not only experienced tour guides, but also actors or directors who trained at some of the finest drama schools in the world, and written by a Ph.D. candidate at Queen Mary University of London's School of English and Drama, this tour blends history, drama, and live performance and is a must for anyone curious or passionate about Shakespeare!
Starting at Farringdon Station, we will explore locations that Shakespeare would have been familiar with and which are still left standing after the Great Fire of London and the London Blitz. We will also explore areas of London, which, although much changed, inspired Shakespeare and allowed him to progress from being the son of a glove maker to a servant of the King. During the tour, we will learn how Shakespeare became the ‘immortal bard’, debate if Shakespeare wrote the plays we credit him with and explore why Shakespeare’s works are still enjoyed and celebrated in the 21st Century.
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Private Shakespeare Walking Tour of London
What's included in Private Shakespeare Walking Tour of London
(Subject to Option Inclusions)Itinerary
St John's Gate
St John's Gate is one of the few places left in London which we know William Shakespeare visited. Home to the office of the Master of Revels, who acted as the Censor to the courts of Elizabeth I and James I, William Shakespeare would have had to attend this place to have his plays licensed for performance. At St John's Gate, your guide will explain why Shakspeare was subject to Censorship, how the Master Of Revels office worked, and how theatre censorship continued until 1968. You'll also hear how the ending of theatre censorship changed the way that Shakspeare was performed and is performed today.
Smithfield MarketPass-by Only
Smithfield Market is another location we know Shakespeare would have visited while living in London. We know this thanks to references in his plays that mention the location, especially King Henry IV Part 2, and the fact that most Londoners would have descended on this location for the famous fair that used to happen here every year. Indeed it's possible that Shakespeare might have visited here with his friend, contemporary, and rival Ben Jonson prior to returning to Stratford Upon Avon. Although the market has had a Victorian make-over, the principles that the market operates on are still the same today, and while walking through the market, your guide will explain not just the importance of the market to London, but also Smithfield's history and use in the works of Shakespeare and his contemporaries.
St Bartholomew's Hospital is the oldest working hospital in the world. Founded in 1123, this is one of the few places in London which was standing during Shakespeare's lifetime. At Bart's (as it is commonly called), your guide will tell you how early-modern hospitals such as Barts, and the infamous Bedlam Hospital, inspired the works of Shakespeare. Indeed some of the characters from these hospitals even appear in the works of Shakespeare. While at Barts your guide will also explain how some of the most important moments in English (and British) history are excluded from the works of Shakespeare, who was effectively working under a police state.
Inclusions
- Guide fees
- Travel using the Transport for London (TFL) network.
- Gratuities
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Meet
Pickup and Dropoff
You will make your own way to the meeting points
Meeting Points
- We will meet all travellers outside Farringdon Station in central London.
End Points
- The Tour will finish at Southwark Cathedral.
