Legacies of the British Empire - Pay What You Can Guided Walk

Legacies of the British Empire - Pay What You Can Guided Walk

  • ALL AGES

This alternative tour tells the story of colonisation and decolonisation through statues and monuments in public spaces.

By History Speak CIC

Select date and time

Location

Mahatma Gandhi statue

Parliament Square London SW1P 3JX United Kingdom

About this event

Walk in Westminster - the beating heart of British politics, that was once the centre of a global empire. Even though Britain’s imperial power is relegated to history, the long process of colonisation and decolonisation defines the world we live in today.

At its height, the phrase "the Empire on which the sun never sets" was used to describe the vastness of the British Empire.

Today, symbols of decolonisation such as statues of Mahatma Gandhi and Nelson Mandela occupy the same space as Imperial heroes like Sir Winston Churchill. What does this tell us about post colonial Britain and the soft power of monuments?

We will discover how stories and ideas from history connect to our present through the Black Lives Matter movement, the Gurkha Justice Campaign and the Policing Bill 2021.


Reviews of the British Empire Tour

"Manasi was a great guide. She had a very fresh perspective to offer on the British empire’s portrayal in public spaces. She discussed many details of spatial configurations embedded in the architecture of Parliament Square area which was very intriguing. It was very educational and engaging throughout the tour." - Anvita on Google Reviews

"I highly recommend Manasi’s tour. It offers a unique and important perspective on London as an imperial capital, highlighting statues and architecture that can tell us so much about Britain’s varied relationships with the countries it controlled." - Joanna on Tripadvisor

Meet Your Guide

Hi! My name is Manasi and I am the Creative Director of History Speak CIC. My background is in design and creating narrative environments. I enjoy storytelling through spatial experiences such as waking tours and workshops. I hope to deliver fresh perspectives on dominant narratives and connect the past with the present.

Interested in booking a private group tour?

Our group prices start from £16 per person. Find out more and schedule your event here: https://calendly.com/historyspeak/private-walking-tours No payment needed to schedule the event.

Frequently asked questions

How long is the tour?

The tour lasts approximately 120 minutes.

Where does the tour start?

The meeting point is near the statue of Mahatma Gandhi on Parliament Square in London Westminster. It is located opposite the Houses of Parliament. The closest tube station is Westminster.

What is the end point of the tour?

The tour ends near the statue of the Gurkha Soldier on Horse Guards Avenue. The closest tube station is Embankment.

Is this walk suitable for children?

Children over the age of 12 years find the walk engaging. Attendees below 16 years of age can come for free with an adult. All ages are welcome to join as we maintain a comfortable walking pace and keep to a maximum duration of 2 hours.

Is the tour accessible?

Yes! The route is step-free and wheelchair-friendly, though some areas may have uneven pavements. If you have specific accessibility requirements, please let us know in advance.

Do I need to book in advance?

Booking in advance is recommended to secure your spot, as spaces are limited.

Why is this tour free?

This is a pay-what-you-can tour to make it accessible to all. If you enjoy the experience, we encourage donations to support our work in bringing diverse histories to the public.

What happens if it rains?

The tour will go ahead in most weather conditions, so please dress appropriately and wear comfortable shoes. If severe weather is forecast, we will notify you of any cancellations or rescheduling options.

Will there be time for questions?

Absolutely! We encourage discussion and questions throughout the walk.

How do I support your work?

You can support us by leaving a Google review, spreading the word, or making a donation at the end of the tour.

Tags

Organized by

History Speak CIC

We uncover the hidden stories behind London’s landmarks. Our walking tours and workshops take you beyond dominant narratives, offering fresh perspectives on the city’s past. We highlight stories of empire, resistance, and the people who have often been left out of mainstream history.

Join us for a journey of discovery. Explore the legacies of the British Empire in Westminster, uncover the role of women who shaped our world, and look at how art and architecture reflect the city’s changing identity. Our tours are immersive, thought-provoking, and full of those “I never knew that!” moments.

As a Community Interest Company, we reinvest our profits into community projects and education, making history more inclusive and accessible. Come walk with us and see London in a whole new light!

Check out our website - www.historyspeak.co.uk for more information and enquire about a private group tour here: https://calendly.com/historyspeak/private-walking-tours

FreeSep 28 · 11:00 AM GMT+1