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Private tour in London Lesley M
London footsteps of King Richard III - England's 'lost' monarch
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2 hours
30 minutes
1
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2 hours
30 minutes
1
Lesley M.
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Welcome to London. I'm a Londoner through and through and a former award winning BBC radio journalist. Let me show you round my home town! I'm an experienced and enthusiastic guide and qualified to show you around London - taking in iconic sights like Buckingham Palace, Westminster, The Royal Parks, and the historic City of London, with its Roman remains and breathtaking modern skyscrapers. I am a qualified City of London and City of Westminster Guide, and am fully insured to guide you safely on the busy streets. I lead tours for agencies as well as creating walks which follow my particular passions. I love history - having studied it to degree level at York University. One of the key themes of my professional life is storytelling. I want to tell you tales about how London became such a great city. There's almost two thousand years of history to delve into on my tours. From monarchs, scientists, and entrepreneurs, to people working in the arts, to rebels and campaigners wanting change - they've all left their mark. I love historical gossip - as a former journalist - of course I do! I'll always do my best to entertain you with unusual insights on my tours. I have a particular interest in Roman, Medieval and Tudor London and I love bringing people's stories to life on my walks: from playwright William Shakespeare, to famous and infamous monarchs, or far-sighted Lord Mayors of London, like Richard Whittington - just a few characters that feature. I'm also fascinated by the City of London's commercial and financial history, as I worked as a BBC business journalist for many years. Just how did all that financial expertise end up crammed into the City? I can take you around little-known historic alleyways to reveal how financial companies first got started hundreds of years ago. Hint! They began in coffee shops - rather like many start up companies today. I'll also take you to cutting edge skyscrapers with nicknames - like the Gherkin or the Cheese grater. When I'm not walking around London, I'm a keen musician, playing the clarinet and singing in various choirs. Let me guide you around the fascinating streets of London. City of Westminster Guide Lecturers Association: membership no: 387 https://westminsterguides.org.uk/guide-profile/lesley-mcalpine/ City of London Guide and Lecturers Association: membership number: 927 https://www.cityoflondonguides.com/find/lesleymcalpine History Honours Degree York University I am not a Blue Badge Guide: so I cannot guide inside The Tower of London or other Royal Palaces; or Westminster Abbey; or St Paul's Cathedral. I am not a driver. I can accompany you in your vehicle or I can arrange for a separate car and driver
Have a question or want to customize this tour? Message Lesley M.
The life of England's most controversial monarch
Overview of your London tour
The astonishing discovery of the body of 'lost king' Richard III in a car park has renewed interest in one of England's most fascinating monarchs. Did he really order the 'disappearance' of his young nephews in The Tower of London? Come on a walking tour with your expert guide and make up your own mind. See the sites in the City of London associated with Richard - where he made his successful bid for the throne of England, at the expense of his nephews. Richard III's reputation has been damaged over the centuries, especially by William Shakespeare, whose play portrays the monarch as a scheming, multiple murderer. But there's another side to the man, who cared about justice and fairness for ordinary people. I studied History at York University, a city that remembers Richard fondly, and I've read widely on the man's life and times. So join me to find out more about the last English King to die in battle, King Richard III.
Your London tour itinerary
A 2.5 hour linear walking tour. Steps involved. Short journey on the London Underground during the tour (not included in the ticket price) Sights include: Paul's Cross The King's Wardrobe Site of Baynard's Castle The College of Arms View of Bankside and The Globe Theatre Garlick Hill/Cheapside Guildhall Yard Mercer's Hall Short tube ride from Mansion House to Tower Hill Views of the Tower of London All Hallows by the Tower End of Tour
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Transport details
Type: Walking
This is a walking tour. There are steps involved. So not a fully accessible walk. Please note there is a short journey on the London Underground involved - which is not included in the ticket price.
What's included
What's not included
Meeting location
Cheapside, England, England, EC2V 6BJ, United Kingdom
St Paul's tube station - above ground. Exit 2. St Paul's is on the central line
- You can request a different meeting location (for example, your hotel) during the checkout process.
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EnglishActivity level
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2 hours
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2 hours
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If your tour is valued over $200 USD and booked at least 45 days before the tour date, you can book with a deposit!
How it works
- Your credit card will be authorized only for the deposit amount.
- Funds will not be withdrawn until your tour booking is fully processed.
- 30 days before your tour date, the remaining balance is automatically charged.