Women of the City Walking Tour

Delve into the tapestry of London’s rich history with the "Women in the City Walking Tour," an illuminating journey led by qualified City of London tour guide Bex Couper.

We commence with a voyage back to ancient Londinium, setting the stage with Boudicca's audacious act of rebellion against the Roman Empire. The soil itself holds clues to her vengeful fire that forever altered the course of London's history. Uncover the scientific techniques employed to unearth the secrets buried in the very fabric of the city.

The theme of entrepreneurial endeavour is further explored through the intriguing narrative of the Sleep sisters, stalwarts of 19th-century fan-making commerce on Cheapside. Discover how their craft enjoyed commercial success, even if they failed to captivate the imagination of literary figure Jane Austen.

As we venture into the hallowed chambers of Guildhall, we're introduced to the civil rights and suffragette movements through the stories of Sylvia Pankhurst and Annie Besant. Learn how these indomitable women used their wit and will to represent themselves in court, albeit with varying outcomes.

Our path meanders next to the serene yet poignant Postman’s Park, commemorating the sacrifice of unsung hero Alice Ayers, who faced fire to save others. Her story offers an occasion for quiet contemplation on the theme of selfless heroism in everyday life.

Christchurch introduces a hauntingly beautiful note as we delve into myths and legends. With its stunning ruins and lush gardens, the church harbours a lesser-known story—ghostly tales of feuding Queens who lie buried beneath blooming roses.

We also encounter Lady Meux, a banjo-playing barmaid who played an integral role in the preservation of Temple Bar. Her unconventional life invites us to consider how individuals from unlikely backgrounds can profoundly affect urban heritage.

Literary enthusiasts will appreciate the tale of Emilia Bassario, an Elizabethan author whose religious verses masked a biting wit, thought to have attracted none other than Shakespeare himself.

Learn more about Elizabeth Fry, a pioneer of prison reform. Learn how she sought to ameliorate the brutal conditions that prevailed in the predecessor of this now-stately institution.

From antiquity, we move on to the age of financial speculation in the early 18th century. Banking and finance are often perceived as masculine domains, but this segment unearths the intriguing stories of anonymous female investors, whose fortunes varied wildly amid the South Sea Bubble—a turbulent chapter in financial history that proves women were not merely bystanders.

A shift in focus brings us to professional life in the 19th century. Here, we celebrate the accomplishments of Mary Harris Smith, the first female chartered accountant who broke through the glass ceiling of a male-dominated profession. Her journey challenges us to consider the social norms and biases that she had to navigate in her quest for professional recognition.

Altogether, the "Women in the City Walking Tour" provides an intricate and nuanced look at the often-overlooked female figures who have contributed to the complex mosaic that is London's history. An essential experience for history aficionados, feminists, and anyone interested in the human stories that define a city.