Stage

Introduction

Directions

This walk explores nearly 2000 years of London's history, with gardens built around Roman remains and church ruins, the gardens of city livery companies, and those made in churchyards and on bombsites after WW2.

The walk starts and finishes at St Paul's underground station. It takes about two hours, and covers 2.4km, but could take longer, depending on the time spent in gardens. For a shorter walk, the route can be started or finished at Moorgate underground station, between Section 1 and Section 2.

There is a variety of places to eat and drink close to St Paul's underground station, as well as at a number of other points along the way.

All the gardens are open during daylight hours, unless otherwise indicated. Seating is provided in most gardens, and they are accessible to wheelchairs, except where stated.

Description

The City of London has always been a bustling centre of commerce. Today it is well known as an international financial centre, but its importance dates back to Roman times, when it was known as Londinium and was bounded by the London Wall. During the medieval period, trade associations known as livery companies played a prominent role in the City, and their influence continues to this day. During World War 2, the City suffered enormous damage - large areas were completely destroyed in the Blitz. Many of the buildings we see today are post-war, including the Barbican Estate, which is considered an important example of concrete Brutalist architecture.

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