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Offered languages
- English
During its 2,000 year history London has been shaped by all manner of religious and military groups associated with the Holy Land and we will visit both some of the most famous.
The first place we will visit is the old gatehouse of the Knights of St John and learn about their role in the Crusades.
A short walk away takes us to Charterhouse, an island of antiquity that started off as a Priory, became a school and then a hospital. We may also visit the remains of victim of the Black Death from their plague pit.
At Smithfields we will see William Wallace of Braveheart died & learn the story behind St. Barts.
Then to Temple Church, set in a beautiful, quiet courtyard just off Fleet Street made famous by the DaVinci Code films with Tom Hanks.
Passing through beautiful Middle Temple, often used for filming to Lincolns Inn Fields (the largest square in London) to finish at the Freemasons Hall. Here we will get to learn a little about this often little-known but historic group.
What's Included
Meeting and pickup
Please inform us of your Central London hotel. We would meet you in the reception area of your hotel and then go by Underground (or taxi) to the starting point at Farringdon, otherwise we can meet outside Farringdon station itself.
Just outside Farringdon Underground Station
The tour ends at the Freemasons Hall, just a few minutes walk from Holborn and also Covent Garden Underground Stations, as well as all the attractions of Covent Garden.
Itinerary
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1Clerk's Well
See this hidden well that even most Londoners don't know about and learn about how this old knights well gave its name to an entire district of London.
5 minutes • Admission ticket free -
2Marx Memorial Library
The communist heritage of Clerkenwell continues with this working institute.
5 minutes • Admission ticket not included -
3
We will see the beautiful old church garden, planted with traditional medicinal plants along with a surprising ancient military weapon.
10 minutes • Admission ticket free -
4St John's Gate
An impressive old gatehouse / tower that was once the entryway to the compound of the Knights of St John.
5 minutes • Admission ticket not included -
5The Museum of the Order of St John
We will see the gatehouse belonging to the Knights of St John Crusaders and have a quick look inside at their collection of weapons and armour. *Please note this museum is closed on Mondays and Tuesday*
15 minutes • Admission ticket included -
6The Charterhouse
Charterhouse Square, one of the largest plague pits before entering Charterhouse chapel and amongst other things seeing a recently discovered skeleton of a victim of the Black Death (Plague). *Please note this museum is closed on Mondays*
15 minutes • Admission ticket free -
7Church of St. Bartholomew the Great
One of the oldest churches in London and built by a Crusader.
5 minutes • Admission ticket not included -
8St Bartholomew's Gatehouse
One of the hidden treasures of the City of London and dating back almost 800 years old.
5 minutes • Admission ticket not included -
9WIlliam Wallace Memorial
We will see the spot where Braveheart died as well as learn of some of the other notable events that took place in this historic location.
10 minutes • Admission ticket free -
10Christchurch Greyfriars Church Garden
The ruins of this old monastic building form a beautiful garden under the shadow of St Pauls Cathedral.
5 minutes • Admission ticket free -
11Christopher Wren's Temple Bar
The old gate of the City of London with a fascinating and sometimes gory past.
5 minutes • Admission ticket not included -
12St. Paul's Cathedral
A beautiful symbol of the City of London.
5 minutes • Admission ticket not included -
13Blackfriars
In a small yard, down a tiny alleyway we will see all that remains of an institution that gave this famous part of London its name.
5 minutes • Admission ticket free -
14
The remains of this monastic building are well off the beaten track for most Londoners, let alone tourists but this one is right on our path towards one of the most famous churches in the world.
5 minutes • Admission ticket not included -
15
Explore Middle Temple, a beautiful area often used in television and films such as Downton Abbey or Charles Dickens.
5 minutes • Admission ticket free -
16Temple Church
Inspired by what the Templars saw in the Holy Land, they built this ancient church which for a time was incredibly popular due to the DaVinci Code films but is now once again a peaceful sanctuary.
15 minutes • Admission ticket included -
17Inner Temple
Learn about this beautiful and tranquil refuge in London
5 minutes • Admission ticket included -
18Fleet Street
We will walk along one of the most famous streets in London, once the home to the infamous British newspaper trade and visit a long lost ruin from a famous monastic order.
10 minutes • Admission ticket free -
19The Old Curiosity Shop
We will pass by the oldest shop in London, immortalised in the writings of Charles Dickens.
5 minutes • Admission ticket not included -
20The Seven Stars
This tiny old pub was once an early meeting place of the Freemasons
5 minutes • Admission ticket free -
21Lincoln's Inn
We will pass through the largest square in London, though one rarely visited by tourists. Learn the story of the Great Fire of London here.
10 minutes • Admission ticket free -
22Freemasons' Hall
Freemasons' Hall in London is the headquarters of the United Grand Lodge of England and the Supreme Grand Chapter of Royal Arch Masons of England, as well as being a meeting place for many Masonic Lodges in the London area. * Please note the Freemasons Museum is closed on Wednesdays*
15 minutes • Admission ticket free
Additional info
- Wheelchair accessible
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Tags
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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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.
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