Share this tour
Offered languages
- English
- English
Explore the fascinating interplay of money, magic, and power through the lens of London’s iconic financial district—the Square Mile. On this walking tour, uncover what money truly is at its essence and track its incredible journey from ancient clay to digital tablets. Discover how myth, ritual, and commerce have shaped the City of London into a global powerhouse.
Tour Highlights:
- Step inside a hidden Roman temple, where the Sun God points to the origins of banking and the roots of money.
- Discover why, in the City of London, money really does grow on trees.
- Traverse the winding backstreets and secret alleys of the Square Mile to follow the remarkable evolution of money—from clay tablets to digital ledgers—and see how wars, technology, and philosophy have shaped the global financial system.
- Demystify the very nature of money, exploring its journey as both a tool and a symbol.
Perfect for curious travellers and history enthusiasts alike.
What's Included
Meeting and pickup
We meet outside the Pret. You will recognize me by my longish hair & beard, and you'll see a felt image of a green dragon on my backpack.
We conclude on top of this beautiful building where you can continue to enjoy the view and optionally have something to drink/eat.
Itinerary
-
1The Guild Church of ST Mary Aldermary
See how Religious institutions to the story of Money, Magic and Power right from the beginning.
10 minutes • Admission ticket free -
2Royal Exchange Building London
Founded in 1566 as England’s first purpose-built trading floor. Rebuilt twice after fires; now houses luxury shops beneath its neoclassical facade.
10 minutes • Admission ticket free -
3London Mithraeum Bloomberg SPACE
Discover: the origin of money magicians, the oldest financial transaction and money from before the Romans arrived.
20 minutes • Admission ticket free -
4St. Edmund The King Church
It was around this location that modern western Banking was birthed.
10 minutes • Admission ticket free -
5
Said how the first coffee house in London played a crucial role in early finance.
5 minutes • Admission ticket free -
6
This alley was the epicenter of London's financial world in the 17th and 18th centuries.
10 minutes • Admission ticket free -
7Bank of England Museum
We tell the story of modern money and trade, how it changed shape and in turn the world itself. It's stories entail the beheading of a King, Companies that developed an empire to the advent of modern day money: The digital dollar and bitcoin.
20 minutes • Admission ticket free -
8
How a speedy pigeon reporting the news of the war (Wellington and Napoleon) turned enabled massive manipulation of the markets.
5 minutes • Admission ticket free -
9Statue of James Henry Greathead
We discuss what Industrial revolution meant for the City, next to one of the pioneers of the Industrial revolution.
10 minutes • Admission ticket free -
10St. Mary Woolnoth Church
This church has been at the centre point of history of debt, slavery and Christian values.
10 minutes • Admission ticket free -
11
How this Insurance company helped shape empire and the world.
10 minutes • Admission ticket free -
12
This outdoor installation is perfect for us to consider the movements of times and tides of money and finance and power.
5 minutes • Admission ticket free -
13Leadenhall Market
We get back to financial roots at this ancient market, and we talk Dragons!
10 minutes • Admission ticket free -
14
Public space with the Gilt of Cain sculpture, memorializing the City’s role in the transatlantic slave trade.
10 minutes • Admission ticket free -
15Garden at 120
We take a fresh perspective as we conclude the tour.
10 minutes • Admission ticket free
Additional info
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
Show 4 more
Additional info
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
- Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
- Wheelchair accessible
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Time for travel time is already included in the total duration
Tags
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Show more
Cancellation Policy
- For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.
- If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
- Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.
Rating
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
Your guide to the flawless travel experience
Top Searches
Company
Get our app
