The ‘Slavery & City of London Walking Tour by Sams Walks’ invites visitors on a compelling journey through Britain’s complex history of slavery. Led by knowledgeable guides, the tour explores the City of London’s enduring ties to the transatlantic slave trade, uncovering a diverse array of artifacts, historic sites, and architectural marvels that attest to the region’s pivotal role in this dark chapter. From the Tower of London’s ancient Roman wall to the iconic Jamaica Wine House, each stop along the way offers a powerful glimpse into how London’s wealth and economic ascent were intimately linked to the exploitation of enslaved peoples. Prepare to be captivated as this thought-provoking tour illuminates a side of the city’s history that’s often overlooked.
Key Points
- The walking tour explores the overlooked history of slavery and enslavement within Britain, focusing on sites and landmarks in the City of London.
- Participants will visit the Tower of London’s Roman wall, the Vine Street Gallery, Aldgate Square, and the Tea Warehouse on Creechurch Lane.
- The tour showcases the role of influential institutions like the East India Company, the Royal Exchange, and the Bank of England in the transatlantic slave trade.
- The Jamaica Wine House, a 17th-century hotel, provides insights into the merchant and seafaring communities involved in the slave trade.
- The tour highlights the efforts of the Society for the Abolition of the Slave Trade and its impact on the eventual outlawing of the trade in Britain’s colonies.
History of Slavery in Britain
Slavery has been a persistent presence in Britain, dating back to the Roman occupation of Britannia when the practice was firmly entrenched. Even after the fall of the Roman Empire, the tradition of enslaving people continued among the Germanic tribes that settled in the region during the 5th century.
However, a major shift occurred in the 11th century when William the Conqueror replaced slavery with the feudal system. While outright slavery diminished, other forms of bondage, such as indentured servitude and press gangs, continued to plague the populace.
This complex and often overlooked history of enslavement in Britain sets the stage for the walking tour’s exploration of the city’s links to this dark chapter.
Highlights of the Tour
Notably, the walking tour offers a unique look at the much-ignored topic of the British becoming enslaved peoples, featuring a diverse array of artifacts, labyrinths, sculptures, historic sights, sites, and architecture within the City of London.
Participants will explore the Tower of London’s Roman wall, the Vine Street Gallery, Aldgate Square, and the Tea Warehouse on Creechurch Lane.
The tour also visits Lloyds building, the East India Company, the Jamaica Wine House, the Royal Exchange, the Bank of England, and St Mary Woolnoth Churchyard, among other notable landmarks.
These captivating historical sites provide a comprehensive understanding of Britain’s complex and often overlooked history of slavery and its lasting impact on the city’s landscape.
Tour Itinerary
The walking tour begins at the Tower of London’s Roman wall along Vine Street, where participants can explore the Vine Street Gallery and its captivating exhibits. From there, the itinerary takes visitors through Aldgate Square, where they’ll discover the historic Tea Warehouse on Creechurch Lane. The tour then moves to Leadenhall Street, showcasing the impressive Lloyds building and the influential East India Company. Continuing on, the group will visit Cornhill, St Michael’s Alley, and the iconic Jamaica Wine House. The route also includes stops at the Royal Exchange, the Bank of England, and St Mary Woolnoth Churchyard, before concluding in Aldgate Square.
| Location | Highlights |
|---|---|
| Tower of London Roman Wall | Vine Street Gallery |
| Aldgate Square | The Tea Warehouse |
| Leadenhall Street | Lloyds building, East India Company |
| Cornhill | St Michael’s Alley, Jamaica Wine House |
| Lombard Street | Lloyds Coffee House |
Tower of London Roman Wall
The walking tour begins at the Tower of London’s Roman wall along Vine Street, where participants can explore the captivating exhibits within the Vine Street Gallery.
This ancient Roman structure, dating back to the 2nd century AD, stands as a testament to Britain’s complex history with slavery. Visitors will learn about the forced labor and displacement of populations that occurred under Roman rule, setting the stage for the tour’s exploration of the City of London’s enduring ties to the slave trade.
Through carefully curated displays and interactive installations, the Vine Street Gallery offers a profound and thought-provoking introduction to the somber legacy that lies beneath the city’s historic facades.
Cornhill and The Jamaica Wine House
Departing the East India Company’s former headquarters on Leadenhall Street, the tour next ventures to Cornhill, where participants discover the historic Jamaica Wine House – a testament to London’s intricate ties to the Caribbean trade.
This iconic hotel, founded in the 17th century, served as a gathering place for merchants, ship captains, and sailors involved in the transatlantic slave trade.
Key highlights include:
- The building’s distinctive Georgian architecture, which has been meticulously preserved over the centuries.
- The interior’s rich, mahogany-paneled walls and cozy, atmospheric ambiance, evoking the era of colonial expansion.
- The stories of the individuals who frequented the Jamaica Wine House, their fortunes intertwined with the brutal realities of the slave trade.
As the tour group explores this site, they’re confronted with the complex and often uncomfortable history that underpins London’s economic rise.
The Bank of England and Lombard Street
After exploring the hidden histories at Cornhill and the Jamaica Wine House, the tour now turns its attention to two of the City of London’s most iconic financial landmarks: the Bank of England and Lombard Street.
Situated in the heart of the city’s historic banking district, these institutions have long been central to the capital’s commercial and economic activities, their fortunes intertwined with Britain’s colonial past.
The Bank of England, founded in 1694, played a crucial role in financing the country’s overseas expansion and the transatlantic slave trade.
Nearby, Lombard Street was home to the Lloyd’s Coffee House, which served as an early hub for marine insurance and the financing of voyages to the colonies.
These sites offer a sobering reminder of how London’s wealth was built on the backs of enslaved peoples.
Society For The Abolition of The Slave Trade
Nestled along George Yard in the heart of the City, the Society for the Abolition of the Slave Trade stood as a beacon of moral conscience, rallying against the inhumane practice that had long enriched London’s mercantile elite.
This pioneering organization, founded in 1787, spearheaded a movement that would:
- Expose the brutal realities of the transatlantic slave trade through powerful testimonies and publications.
- Lobby Parliament tirelessly, eventually securing the Slave Trade Act of 1807 which outlawed the trade in Britain’s colonies.
- Inspire a global abolitionist movement that would ultimately lead to the abolition of slavery across the British Empire in 1833.
The Society’s courageous crusade marked a pivotal moment in Britain’s long journey towards confronting its dark legacy of human bondage.
Tour Duration and Meeting Point
The walking tour spans a duration of approximately one and a half hours, with participants meeting at the Tower Hill Tram near the iconic Tower of London. This strategic location allows for a seamless start to the journey, where attendees can enjoy the rich history of slavery in Britain.
| Tour Details | |
|---|---|
| Duration | 1.5 hours |
| Meeting Point | Tower Hill Tram, Tower of London |
| Pricing | From $19.45 per person |
| Booking | Reserve now & pay later |
| Cancellation | Free up to 24 hours in advance |
Frequently Asked Questions
How Accessible Is the Tour for Individuals With Disabilities?
The tour’s accessibility for individuals with disabilities is not explicitly stated. However, the walking nature of the tour may present challenges for those with mobility impairments. Accommodations should be inquired about prior to booking to ensure an inclusive experience.
Is Photography Allowed During the Tour?
Guests are generally permitted to take photographs during the tour, though some locations may have restrictions. It’s advisable to check with the tour guide before extensively photographing to ensure an enjoyable and respectful experience for all participants.
What Language(S) Is the Tour Conducted In?
The tour is conducted in English, as it is the primary language spoken in Britain. Guides may accommodate other languages upon request, though the standard offering is an English-language tour to cater to the needs of the majority of participants.
Is There Any Age Restriction for Participants?
There is no age restriction for participants on this walking tour. Individuals of all ages are welcome to join, providing they are able to comfortably navigate the tour’s itinerary. The tour content and pace are suitable for a general audience.
Can the Tour Be Customized for Private Groups?
Yes, the tour can be customized for private groups. Sam’s Walks offers tailored experiences to accommodate specific interests and group needs, providing a more personalized and engaging exploration of the history of slavery in Britain.
Recap
The ‘Slavery & City of London Walking Tour by Sams Walks’ offers a captivating journey through Britain’s complex history of slavery.
Visitors will explore the City of London’s enduring ties to the transatlantic slave trade, uncovering how the region’s wealth and economic rise were built upon the exploitation of enslaved peoples.
This enlightening tour provides a comprehensive understanding of London’s past, encouraging reflection on the lasting impacts of this sobering chapter.
