Limehouse - famous originally for its Lime kilns. But there are many other hidden treasures in this often unexplored part of London’s East End.

The legacy of the British Empire is everywhere but nowhere more dominant than in Limehouse. Ports, railways, docks, warehouses, canals, and wharfs sit cheek by jowl, making up the infrastructure that was needed for global enterprise and dominance But this tour doesn’t shy away from the bad, as well as the good and ugly of this part of British history. Limehouse was the spot from where England’s famous explorers set sail. Its population was a transient one of sailors, rope makers, stranded lascars (seafarers), ayahs (nannys), sex workers and Chinese settlers. Indeed Limehouse was the early ‘Chinatown’.

The thirst for trade and Empire kept this area of London buoyant throughout Victorian times, before disuse, and then the bombing of World War 11. But the tour will uncover what remains of Empire’s legacy and tell the global, national, and individual stories of Empire as you walk around the streets. For Lord of the Rings fans there’s a surprise in store too when we find Gandalf’s staff (if the pub’s open that is).

Lisa will lead this 2 hour walk. Cost £250 per group (up to 25 people). If you’re interested in this tour but can’t get a group together, then drop us a line and register your interest. We’ll get back to you when there’s a big enough group. Costs £20pp

Meeting point Limehouse DLR. Walk starts Ratcliff steps.