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Thomas Becket in London

The 12th Century Londoner and saint's life and legacy in the City

  • 12 British pounds
  • Outside Barbican tube station, Aldersgate Street

Service Description

Please note that the walk lasts two hours. Please be prepared for all weather conditions! --------------- Thomas Becket was born in 1119 or 1120 in the Norman City of London. He went on to be Lord Chancellor to King Henry II and then Archbishop of Canterbury. After his murder in 1170 he was sanctified and London soon adopted him as a second Patron Saint alongside St Paul. Becket's life was last celebrated in the City of London in Tudor times, when the Worshipful Company of Skinners staged a Midsummer Watch pageant in 1519. Then, in 1538, a proclamation of King Henry VIII erased St Thomas Becket from history. Or did it? Look carefully in the 21st century City of London and you can still find visible traces of Becket's legacy. You can also catch glimpses of the Norman London of Becket's time and the Tudor London of the 1519 pageant. This brand new guided walk will show you where to look. On the way you will also see some of the highlights of today's City and discover how it builds, in part, on Becket's legacy. Start: Outside Barbican tube station, Aldersgate Street Finish: St Paul's --------------- The walk complements the Becket Pageant for London & Livery Crafts Fair, which will take place in Guildhall Yard on 17/18 June 2022. This includes a new musical show, 'London's Turbulent Son', a dramatic interpretation of Becket's life. Part of the walk's ticket price will go to the Becket Pageant & its nominated charity. For more information on the Pageant, including tickets to the show, please see its website: www.becketpageantforlondon.com ---------------- Feedback on other London On the Ground walks: "Informative, lively and highly recommended! Jonathan is a wonderful guide." May 2022 "Wonderful walk experiencing ancient Roman London" May 2022 "…a fantastic walking tour, thanks to our fabulous tour guide." Apr 2022 "…we all really enjoyed our tour and will certainly be back for more" Mar 2022 "Jonathan is a terrific guide, knows his history for sure but also makes you feel right at ease so you can really enjoy the day." Feb 2022 "Thoroughly recommended!" Feb 2022 "Thank you London On The Ground (Jonathan) for a fabulous tour." Dec 2021 "Jonathan is the perfect tour guide. His genuine enthusiasm and natural charm make for an engaging couple of hours. I learnt so much!" Aug 2021


Upcoming Sessions


Contact Details

07715106692

londonontheground@gmail.com

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