City of London

The Birth of An Empire

Let me take you on a private walk through the ancient streets of the City of London – the

Square Mile – where nearly 2,000 years of history lie layered beneath your feet.

Founded in the aftermath of the Roman invasion of 43AD, this is the original London—a

place of winding lanes, hidden alleys and remarkable continuity. As we wander, you’ll

discover how this small patch of land grew into one of the world’s greatest financial

centres and trading hubs.

We’ll explore some of its most iconic landmarks, including the magnificent St Paul’s

Cathedral, the grand Royal Exchange, the imposing Bank of England and the elegant

Mansion House. Along the way, we’ll also encounter the historic Guildhall and a collection of beautiful churches designed by Christopher Wren, each with its own story to

tell.

But the real story of the City lies in its ideas. In the 1650s and 1660s, the arrival of coffee

—and the opening of London’s first coffee houses—sparked a quiet revolution. These

bustling meeting places became centres of news, trade and speculation, helping to shape

the financial systems that still influence the world today.

This is more than a walk—it’s a journey through the origins of modern London, where

Roman foundations, great fires, bold architecture and the simple act of sharing a cup of

coffee combined to create a global powerhouse.

Walk Duration - 2 hours

Maximum Sized Group - 15