Celebrating the 500 plus years of the Royal College of Physicians, this tour explores each of the last five centuries and the medical innovations that have shaped successive eras.

Discover how the classical 'art of medicine' developed by Hippocrates and Galen still dominated medical practice in Tudor and Stuart England.

Learn how the Age of Enlightenment altered medicine forever, paving the way for its transition from art to science.

Encounter unscrupulous - and virtuous doctors - of the 18th century and how the Victorians were the first to make medicine available to the masses.

Be inspired by the search for universal healthcare in the 20th century and the astonishing advances of the last 150 years.

An unmissable introduction to medicine, culture and society from the Renaissance to the present day.

This walk commences at The Royal College of Physicians and lasts around 2½ to 3 hours including a highlights tour of the Royal College, its museum and collections*.

Free online booking for our scheduled events is highly recommended using Eventbrite. A small number of turn-up tickets are available on the day, but cannot be guaranteed.

“500 Years of Medicine: A history” is also available as a private tour at any time by prior arrangement, subject to a minimum charge.

For further details or to make a group booking for a private tour please contact us at discovermedicallondon@gmail.com

* On occasion access to the Royal College of Physicians may be limited due to events or works being carried out.

Click here for a map and directions to the Royal College of Physicians.