Tour Details
- Duration
- 3 hours
- Product Type
- Tour
- Venues
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- Guildhall
- Museum of London Docklands
- St Mary Woolnoth
Photos & Highlights
- Walk in the footsteps of the men and women who fought for the abolition of slavery
- From coffee houses to the sugar boycott, unveil a history of London you didn't know
Select a date
Tour Description
London's Financial District is a showcase of impressive architecture and powerful institutions representing the finance and insurance industries. But what is the foundation of this wealth? How did it begin, and at what cost?
The British empire, fueled by equal parts mercantilism and missionary zeal, created a solid economic base for the development of what became the largest formal empire the world had ever known. However, it did so at the cost of hundreds of thousands of human lives
Join a local historian for a deep dive into this lesser-known side of London history and meet key figures in the fight for abolition, like John Newton, composer of 'Amazing Grace', who preached against slavery right in the heart of the the slave trade. Learn about Olaudah Equiano, a writer, speaker, and founding member of the Sons of Africa. Peel back the layers of history to reveal the dark sides of the empire, and be inspired by the stories of the men and women who helped bring slavery to an end. As you walk past imposing skyscrapers and the site of former shipyards, you'll gain a deeper understanding of this transformative period in British history.
Choose this tour if…
- You want to unpack the complex history of the abolitionist movement within the British Empire
- You are a history buff and love digging into the how and why of a city’s defining eras.
- You desire a deeper understanding of the British Empire.
Begin at Guildhall, the site of the Zong massacre trial, the first legal case in Britain involving a slave ship.The trial, and the inhumane reality that it revealed, ignited momentum for the abolitionist movement. From here we'll proceed to the Bank of England and Royal Exchange where many of the key contracts for the slave trade were signed . Nearby is St. Mary Woolnoth where John Newton, who wrote the words to Amazing Grace and had been a slave ship captain, was rector, and led the campaign for abolition from the pulpit. Continuing along the streets of the city we'll discuss the importance of the coffee houses as places where traders would conduct business, as well as religious halls where Abolitionist meetings were held.
We'll continue our walk with the former port of London. It was here that from 1672 to 1698, thanks to the establishment of the Royal African Company, all slave ships leaving from England had to set sail. From here we’ll hop on the DLR to West India Quay and finish the walk with a visit to the Slavery and Sugar gallery of the Docklands museum. This will provide us with a detailed insight into the management of plantations and the many layers of the campaign for the abolition of the slave trade and slavery in 1809 and 1833.
We’ll come away with a greater understanding of the legacy of slavery in the UK through the continuing story of the Windrush Generation.
Logistics
General Information
- There will be a break in the tour to stop and use bathroom facilities as well as opportunities to stop and rest along the way if needed.
- Strollers are allowed in the museum, but it might be easier to navigate crowded areas with a baby carrier.
- Please communicate any mobility needs or concerns with our team at the time of booking.
Tickets
- You are responsible for tickets for the DLR, if you have a contactless card you can pay using that or an Oyster card. Alternatively, your expert will facilitate buying tickets at the machine.
Headsets
- Depending on your group size, we may be required by the venue to order headsets, in which case you’ll see a “Headset Fee” added to your order.
Resources
- London School of Economics has a great interactive map available with info about Slavery related sites in London.
We understand that some of our valued guests may have mobility concerns, and we want to ensure you have a comfortable and enjoyable experience throughout your tour. If there are any accessibility concerns that your tour guide will need to be aware of, please let our team know at the time of booking.
The City of London is fully accessible.
FAQ
Where do we meet? Where does it end?
Generally speaking, the walk begins near Guildhall. Your confirmation email will have the exact meeting point details along with a map. The walk typically ends at the Slavery and Sugar gallery of the Docklands museum.
What if it’s raining?
Tours operate rain or shine, but in the case of inclement weather, your docent will modify the tour so more time is spent indoors. It never hurts to have an umbrella on hand.
Is this a walking intensive tour?
This walk covers about 1 mile overall. There are occasional opportunities to sit, use the bathroom, and get something to drink if needed.
The Docklands Museum looks quite far on the map, how do we get there?
It is outside of the city center, indeed! You will take the light railway to get there. If you already have an Oyster Card for your London visit, that is great. If not, your guide will help you purchase a transport card during the tour.
The Docklands Museum looks quite far on the map, how do we get there?
It is outside of the city center, indeed! You will take the light railway to get there. If you already have an Oyster Card for your London visit, that is great. If not, your guide will help you purchase a transport card during the tour.
Where You'll Start
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10 Reviews
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Excellent tour. Tim has incredibly deep knowledge of the historical period covered in our tour: from Empire to Emancipation. Our three hours with him passed in a flash! We would definitely recommend Tim and this tour.
Randal
Oct 3, 2022
Loved Philippa. Very knowledgeable and personable. Would love to take a tour she developed. Maybe on our next trip.
John
Sep 18, 2019
Nothing in the way of improving. Dan was a wonderful and knowledgeable guide!
Jerdine
Jul 24, 2019