Sets, Squares and Syntax: A Bloomsbury Walking Tour

Bloomsbury, famed for its connection to the arts, sciences and academia, is also known for its upper-class garden squares and fine Georgian architecture.

On this walking tour, you’ll see and hear about the British Museum, Virginia Woolf’s house and the Charles Dickens Museum, where the celebrated writer once lived. But our walk through this renowned neighbourhood isn’t only about enlightenment. Along the way, I’ll also reveal the area’s seedier side, where everyday life was hard and lawlessness was rife. You’ll hear about an opportunistic thief called Thomas Marquiss and how he escaped death, and the murder of Louisa Janoska who lived in the area.

On this tour, you’ll:

• Become familiar with ‘cabmen’s shelters’ and how they were used in the 1900s
• Hear about the unlikely friendship between writer and humourist Jerome K Jerome and revolutionary Leon Trotsky, and their penchant for fish and chips
• See buildings linked to the D-Day landings
• Stroll through beautiful Georgian garden squares including Russell Square, Gordon Square and Bloomsbury Square
• Take in sites with links to the arts, architecture and philanthropy
• Find out about the many historical characters that called Bloomsbury home
• Discover tales of death, dueling and robbery
• See where the artistic movement, the Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood, was founded in 1848
• Walk through the heart of the University of London campus

Whether this is your first time in the capital or you’re a curious Londoner, you’ll gain a valuable introduction to this fascinating neighbourhood’s rich history. Allow approximately 90 minutes for this walk if you plan on keeping strictly to the route. There are several listed heritage sites to explore en route, which will require more time if you choose to visit them. There are also many cafes, restaurants, pubs and food outlets if you feel the need to take some time out during the tour.