Tuggey Tours London

14/08/2026

The Church of Saint Bartholomew The Great in Smithfield is an absolute gem. There are very few examples of the Norman Romanesque style of architecture in London and this must be one of the best.

Inside you can see much of it's original 950 year old features as well as the tomb of it's founder Rahere and a rather striking sculpture of Saint Bartholomew by the artist Damien Hirst.

With the Museum of London reopening in November close by hopefully many more people will get to discover this church. Alternatively you can visit it at the end of my Great Fire of London tour - link in the comments.

10/08/2026

The statue of the Golden Boy of Pye Corner marks a spot where the Great Fire of London was finally extinguished.

Even in days before social media there was much misinformation spread as to who or what caused the fire. Top of the list were countries England had recently fought against - the French and the Dutch. But religion also played a large part as the Reformation still very much hung over England. Catholics were accused of deliberately throwing fire balls into buildings and some thought the Fire was a Punishment from God for overindulgence, licentious behaviour or as this statue tells us The Sin of Gluttony.

Link to the Great Fire of London Tour in the comments

06/08/2026

So this is another story from my Covent Garden Walking Tour - the Turbulent Tale of Covent Garden - Gin, Gentry, Ghosts and Garrick

There are around 470 pubs in England called The Royal Oak - making it the second most popular pub name (the most popular being The Red Lion). This is the story behind that pub name.

Oak Apple Day is no longer celebrated in England except in parts of Worcester and Wiltshire. It used to be the case that people would wear oak branches or leaves and if you forgot you would be pinched, stung by nettles or pelted with eggs. Not surprisingly the Royals still remember it and a senior Royal will visit the Royal Hospital Chelsea to join the Chelsea Pensioners wearing their oak leaves.

There are still dates available on my Tour of Covent Garden on Eventbrite.

Link in the comments

02/08/2026

I wanted to share just one of the many stories on my walk The Turbulent Tale of Covent Garden - Gin, Gentry, Ghosts and Garrick. If you want to find out more about the magnificent church and the other 11 fascinating stops there are dates available in August on Eventbrite

Link in the comments

27/07/2026

I am delighted to share my latest tour the Turbulent Tale of Covent Garden - Gin, Gentry, Ghosts and Garrick. This tour will tell the stories of some of London's greatest Theatres and Actors as well as explore the darker corners of Covent Garden's amazing history. Lovers of sports can hear stories relating to the Beautiful Game - Football as well as the rather more gory Bare Knuckle Boxing.

For more details and to book tickets please see the Eventbrite link

Dive into Covent Garden's wild past filled with stories of gin, courtesans,murder and the legendary Garrick on this fun Walking Tour

17/04/2024

Very enjoyable tour on Saturday leading this great group around Spitalfields. I hadn’t done this tour for over two years and it was a great reminder of what an incredible area it is. Full of amazing stories – not those about Jack the Ripper and the Krays – but about how over the centuries immigrants have settled in this area often escaping wars and persecution and left their historical and cultural mark on this area. My tour Silk, Soup and Shadows a Stroll through Spitalfields captures many of these amazing stories and much more.

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02/04/2024

Great to have now practised my new tour around the City of London and Wapping. Starting at the Monument it follows the river into Wapping where it’s narrow roads and river stairs reveal some amazing stories. As well as the social history of the area enjoy stories about Fires, Witches, Gin, Pirates,Ghosts and flying Buses. Also important to get familiar with the great taverns en-route. If you are interested contact me at [email protected]. Great idea for a social event with family, friends or colleagues.

02/02/2024

02/02/2024

Busy researching a new Tour around Wonderful Wapping. Lots of great stories and some amazing historical pubs to explore. Should be ready by Spring so if you are interested in finding out more please contact me as [email protected]

12/01/2024

Happy Friday everyone! Outside the National Portrait Gallery in the heart of the West End’ Theatreland is a statue of the great actor Sir Henry Irving. I hope you enjoy this short video I made about the man.