Legacies of the British Empire - Pay What You Can Guided Walk
This alternative tour tells the story of colonisation and decolonisation through statues and monuments in public spaces.
Location
Mahatma Gandhi statue
Parliament Square London SW1P 3JX United KingdomGood to know
Highlights
- 2 hours
- ALL AGES
- In person
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
The tour lasts approximately 120 minutes.
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.
The tour ends near the statue of the Gurkha Soldier on Horse Guards Avenue. The closest tube station is Embankment.
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.
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.
Booking in advance is recommended to secure your spot, as spaces are limited.
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.
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.
Absolutely! We encourage discussion and questions throughout the walk.
You can support us by leaving a Google review, spreading the word, or making a donation at the end of the tour.
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