The Diary of a Nobody - Mr Pooter's High Brow Holloway

You don't need to have already read the book to enjoy this tour, but I am sure you'll want to do so afterwards!

The Diary of a Nobody is a much-loved amusing work of satirical fiction by the brothers George and Weedon Grossmith originally published as a column in Punch magazine in 1888. It was so well-received that in 1892 it was extended in book form. It is still in print today and has often been adapted for stage and screen.

This guided tour starts not far from Upper Holloway station* and brings fiction to life, taking you back to the late-Victorian middle-class Holloway that Mr Charles Pooter and his family and friends would have experienced.

The book's subtle humour of clever observations about social classes, parents vs offspring, social events, where to take a holiday, DIY disasters, and how clothes become pink in the wash, all still resonate today.

You'll hear short excerpts from the book as we look at relevant buildings. Laugh at Pooter's silly arguments with the ironmonger, the shirt dresser and the stationer, and roll your eyes at his clunky jokes and misguided or deluded observations – it's pun-tastic!

Please note, this is not the same content as my 'Holloway Heyday' walk which is set in a similar era, but focuses more on the area being the 'Oxford Street of the North'.

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*The specific meeting point will be supplied after purchase – please see the FAQs below.

The tour ends at Holloway's 'Nags Head' shopping junctuion opposite Seven Sisters Rd, a 10 minute walk to Holloway Rd tube station, or catch one of the many buses back up to Archway or to Finsbury Pk, Camden or Upper Street.

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Customer feedback: "We loved loved loved this tour" / "Jane, you have become my favourite guide – I will keep coming back for more!!" / "I dug out the book when I got home to re-read it and I am now enjoying it with new eyes, so to speak." / "I particularly delight in seeing the old photographs and images you find and use to illustrate the changes from then to now" / "What a jolly walk, and clever – the 'Pooterisms' were delightful and we loved your additional puns Jane !" / "I love how you point out all the little quirks" / "...so engaging, thanks to your delivery style and obvious thirst for knowledge" / More feedback here

My guiding style is inclusive, open and friendly. I design and research every tour myself – in fact, the research never ends. The walks and talks I offer are all on subjects that intrigue me and each one highlights a different facet of my personality. I am particularly interested in the architecture of our ever-changing streets and the little details on and above them. For more information, please visit www.janeslondonwalks.com

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FAQs

Where does this walk start / what if I am running late?

• Important re meeting point info – please do not use any QR codes and maps sent via non-Eventbrite apps as these often give incorrect information.
• The specific meeting point will be clearly described in words within the Order Confirmation email sent to you immediately after your purchase
• Scroll down to the bottom of that email to the Additional Information section where you will find a description of the meeting point as well as details of how to play catch-up should you be running late on the day. As a back-up, the same information will be sent to you within a reminder email 24hrs before the event.

What is the minimum age to attend this event?

• There is no minimum age
• No charge for children aged 5 or younger. Children 6-15yrs = concession rate
• All children 15 years and younger must be accompanied by an adult – one child per paying adult.

Can I just show up and pay on arrival?

• No – this is a ticketed event with a maximum group size – places must be booked in advance.

Do I have to bring a copy of my ticket to the event?

• No – you will simply be asked your name

Can I get a refund / is my ticket transferrable?

• As you can appreciate, refunds and reallocations do not apply to people who simply do not show up on the day!
• You can organise your own refund through Eventbrite's ticketing system up to 48 hours before the walk starts. However, please note that the booking fee (absorbed within the ticket price) is not refundable.
• Alternatively, I can hold your purchase for transfer to another Jane's London Walk within the next three months – please notify me in writing via email/text at least 48 hours before this walk is due to start.

What if it's raining?

• Walking tours will go ahead, rain or shine.
• However, if severely adverse conditions are forecast, or other unforeseen complications cause the event to be cancelled, you will receive notification and a full refund.

Is this tour suitable for wheelchairs?

• The walk is along standard pavements down Holloway Road.

How can I contact the organiser?

• Email: jane@janeslondon.com
• Mobile: +44(0)7941 475003
• Instagram/Facebook: janeslondonwalks