The City through the Centuries

London's remarkable history stretches back over two millennia, with each era leaving its distinct mark on the urban landscape. On this walking tour, you'll journey through the centuries, discovering how Roman merchants, Saxon settlers, medieval traders, Tudor monarchs, and Victorian entrepreneurs have all shaped the city we see today. From ancient amphitheaters to grand financial institutions, you'll explore the fascinating evolution of one of the world's greatest cities.

Starting at Guildhall Yard, you'll stand in one of London's most historically significant spaces, where the Roman amphitheater once held 7,000 spectators. Your route takes you down ancient streets like Watling Street, once called Athelingestrate or the prince's street in Saxon times, and through Cheapside, where medieval merchants sold their wares. Along the way, you'll discover how the city's history is often hidden just beneath your feet or tucked between modern buildings.

You'll learn about the city's commercial heritage at Leadenhall Market, visit the spot where the Great Fire of London began in 1666, and see the Monument built to commemorate it. The tour culminates at the Tower of London, where kings and queens have ruled, plotted, and sometimes met their deaths. The tour ends near a remarkable section of the Roman and medieval city wall, where you can literally see different historical periods stacked one upon another.

On this carefully crafted 2-hour walking tour, you'll have a chance to:

• Stand on the site of London's Roman amphitheater, which once held the equivalent capacity of London's Royal Albert Hall
• Visit the site of London Stone, a mysterious ancient landmark that has been a symbol of the city's authority for centuries
• Explore Leadenhall Market, standing on the site of what was once the largest Roman forum north of the Alps
• Discover the birthplace of modern insurance at Lloyd's Coffee House on Lombard Street
• Witness the exact spot where traitors were executed on Tower Hill, where nobles and priests met their fate over nearly 400 years
• See part of the original London Bridge approach where countless travelers passed over 700 years
• Examine sections of London's Roman Wall, with 2,000 years of history visible in its layers
• Walk the same riverside path where Shakespeare and his contemporaries would have strolled between the City and Southwark

Walking through the narrow lanes and historic thoroughfares of the City reveals London's remarkable ability to reinvent itself while preserving traces of its past. History enthusiasts will be fascinated by the stories that bring each location to life.