Secrets of Spitalfields Walking Tour
Throughout history, women have played vital roles in shaping society, yet their achievements have often been overlooked or forgotten. This walk aims to shine a light on the extraordinary women who founded charities, fought for workers’ rights, and paved the way for future generations.
- Discover unknown stories of women
- Walk amongst iconic buildings in the City
- Qualified London tour guide
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Begin your exploration at one of the few remaining Jewish synagogues in the area, an awe-inspiring edifice dating back to 1766. Originally constructed as a chapel, it was later repurposed by Ashkenazi Jews in the 19th century, following a collective community effort to adapt it for their religious practices and customs. Though the building may not boast a large regular congregation today, it retains significant cultural heritage and is a Grade 2 listed structure.
Meander through one of East London’s most photogenic streets, where resplendent Georgian buildings stand as a legacy to the Huguenot merchant weavers of the 17th century. These individuals, who fled religious persecution, coined the term ‘refugee’ and forever altered the English language.
Further highlights include a foray down a street echoing with a myriad of cultural histories—from a music hall with a heart-rending story, to the remarkable endeavours of women’s rights activist Annie Besant, who was instrumental in aiding the match girl strikers and subsequently influencing the trade union movement.
Finally, immerse yourself in the bustling atmosphere of Brick Lane, a hotspot renowned for its scrumptious street food and vivid street art. Gain an understanding of the layered contributions of various immigrant communities that have collectively shaped this area into the vibrant hub it is today.
Don’t miss this unparalleled opportunity to deepen your understanding of East London’s rich history with Bex Couper, a qualified London tour guide. This is more than a walk; it’s an educational odyssey that will leave you with a newfound appreciation for one of London’s most multifaceted and historically significant areas.
Spitalfield’s riches are discoverable when you look very, very closely.
- Start: Liverpool Street Station
- End: Spitalfields Market
- Duration: 90 minutes
Secrets of Spitalfields Walking Tour Reviews
Ian
November 2023
A really superb walk, led by Daniel, which truckers to several parts of Spitalfields an area I’d never visited
before, and I learnt so much. One notable comment is that Daniel was a last-minute replacement to lead the walk yet he delivered it with such clarity and knowledge you would hardly have known he did this at the last minute. He was real fountain of knowledge. As always with these walks It is so good to see history right next to modern London. The walk took us from approximately the 1200s through to the history of the Jews, the Huguenots, Bangladeshis and finally through the Quakers, all of whom pretty much were fleeing persecution. Some of the buildings were quite amazing. I really enjoyed this walk as I do with all of London Guided Walks and I’m grateful as always to have had the opportunity.
Nazima
August 2024
We had such a great time during Secrets of Spitalfields walk if London Guided Walks! Our guide Daniel was outstanding! He had so much knowledge about the area, showed us little side streets that hold so much history and quirkiness, explained the meanings of numerous names. We learned a lot about waves of different nationalities and religions that found safe havens in this lands, the culture they brought with them, and how it transformed London. Towards the end we went through famous Brick Lane and saw the sight of one of the biggest breweries that helped the development of the area. Daniel had a brilliant sense of humour and made our walk unforgettable! Will recommend this walk not only for visitors, but for londoners too, as there is so much to learn!
Gerard
August 2024
Very interesting walk, our guide was knowledgeable and helpful. I’ll certainly use their services again.
Qualified London Tour Guides
